Mount St. Helens/Worm Flows

Trip

Basic Snowshoe - Chocolate Falls

Two nights of winter camping on the southern approach to Mount St. Helens. We'll snowshoe from the Marble Mountain Sno-Park to Chocolate Falls, set up camp, spend the next day exploring the area, and return to the trailhead on the final day. Participants must have previous winter camping experience.

  • Fri, Feb 3, 2023 — Sun, Feb 5, 2023
  • Tacoma Snowshoeing Committee
  • Snowshoeing
  • Basic
  • Adults
  • Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft

Marble Mountain Sno-Park: https://goo.gl/maps/WwFDBeigZAQQnzWZ7

Friday, Feb 3rd at 9am.

We'll start with a 2.5 mile, 1200' gain snowshoe from the trailhead at Marble Mountain Sno-Park to the area near Chocolate Falls. We'll set up camp, explore the area as time/conditions allow, and enjoy a night of winter camping.  We'll dedicate the next day to exploring the area.  After a second night of winter camping near Chocolate Falls, we'll return to the trailhead on our third and final day (2.5 miles, all downhill).

We will not attempt to climb to the summit or the crater rim, as this trip is a basic snowshoe, not an intermediate snowshoe or scramble.

Route (TH to camp): https://caltopo.com/m/E5LV7

We'll trek at a moderate pace with brief stops for snacks/views. Participants should have a good fitness base, given the weight of winter camping equipment as well as the trip's distance and elevation gain.

Participants must have previous winter camping experience.

Weather forecast: National Weather Service, Mountain Forecast

As this is a winter overnight, participants should be prepared for varied weather conditions and must bring winter-capable shelter and sleep system, cooking / water treatment systems, and clothing.

Blue bags are required, as all waste must be carried out.  Each participant should bring a shovel for digging a communal dining area and (if needed) preparing a site for your tent.

A Washington State Sno-Parks permit is required for all cars parked at the Sno-Park.

Route/Place

Mount St. Helens/Worm Flows



  • USGS Mt St Helens

    Green Trails Mount St Helens NVM No. 332S

    Green Trails Mt St Helens NW No. 364S
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • The Ten Essentials
  • Snowshoes
  • Poles
  • Winter-capable shelter
  • Winter-capable sleep system
  • Winter-capable cooking / water treatment systems
  • Winter-capable clothing
  • Shovel
  • Blue bags
Trip Reports