Sci/Why: Climbing Volcanoes

29 Oct 2021

Climbing Volcanoes

Climbing Volcanoes

By Elaine Kachala

I waited…and waited. One by one, people descended the mountain. They looked sweaty, red-faced, and they were breathing heavily. But where were my husband and daughter? They’d woke early to hit the trailhead at 6 am. But it was going on twelve hours since they’d left our campsite to hike Mount St. Helens—an active volcano in Washington State.

The mountain stands at 8,363 (f) (2,549 m). The hike is 10 miles (16 km) with an elevation gain of 4500 ft (1,372 m). At first, the hike seems innocent enough with a gradual 1000 ft (305 m) climb. But it’s no ordinary hike! After the first two miles through forest and open meadows, the challenge to the summit begins. The next 2500 ft. (762 m) is a climb through mega boulder fields dusted with ash and pumice that can shred your skin. Did they remember to take gloves? The last 1000 ft. (305 m) climb to the crater rim is through ash and small rocks. Did they pack enough water and snacks? At the summit is a cornice—an overhanging ledge caused by layers of wind-blowing snow. If you step on it, it could collapse with any weight. Even standing on rock or dirt near the cornice is risky. How close to the edge did they step for the perfect view? When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 it was one of the most destructive volcanoes in US history. It erupted again in 2008, and it’s still active. When will it erupt again? Scientists are monitoring it carefully. A lot of questions ran through my mind as I waited.

Photo by Dylan Klinesteker and Mount St Helens Institute

Alas! Twelve hours and 33 minutes later, they emerged, exhausted but satisfied. At first, they were quiet. I guess they were still processing the experience. They’d climbed a phenomenal beast of a mountain. And, they’d endured the most intense physical test of their lifetime. Back at the campsite, there was an eruption of a different sort: words and photos.

I heard about their agonizing climb over the boulders and the endless trudge through deep ash. But at the summit, spectacular views were the reward, as Mount. Rainier appeared in the distance.

Photo by Dylan Klinesteker and Mount St Helens Institute

Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier are part of the Cascade Range, also known as the Cascade Volcanic Arc. It’s a 1,200-mile (1,931 km) line of volcanoes from British Columbia to northern California.

Washington State has five volcanoes that are part of the Cascade Range, and that have a high or very high potential of blowing. They are Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Baker, and Glacier Peak. Mount St. Helens is the youngest and most active.

Will my husband and daughter venture to climb other volcanoes? Yes, actually. They attempted Mount. Adams (12,277 (f) 3,742 m)…but that’s another story!

Are you ready for an epic volcano climb? If so, don’t wait too long! Strap on your boots, fill your water bottle, and expect the adventure of your life! Even if you’re not ready to climb to the summit, you can still experience these fascinating volcanic monuments with hikes around the mountains.

More about Mount St. Helens:

It began growing before the end of the Ice Age.
Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy named the mountain in 1792 in honor of his friend, Alleyne Fitzherbert, a British diplomat.
Researchers call it a “living laboratory.” For three decades, scientists have been studying how land and life return after eruptions, and how to forecast future hazards.