What is the current snow status on the Worm Flows Route?

As of [May 23](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-25.222826064801), the trail was snow-free from the start up to about 1000 feet above the monitoring station, with firm snow encountered further up. Earlier reports from [May 9](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-13.152143586050) and May 9 mention snowfields and patchy snow starting below the weather station, while May 17 described nearly three feet of fresh powder after a storm.

What are the typical wind conditions on the mountain?

Wind conditions can be significant. A report on [May 17](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-24.153158405540) noted strong wind gusts forcing a turn-back. On [May 12](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-13.105907908594), winds picked up considerably in the final climb, reaching 20-30 MPH. However, some climbers on May 23 and May 9 experienced bluebird skies with little to no wind, making it feel hotter.

Are there any significant obstacles on the trail?

Reports mention a single tree across the trail on [May 23](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-25.222826064801) that was an easy step-over. The rocky ridges, especially with headlamps for illumination, could slow progress, as noted on [May 9](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-13.152143586050). Some areas had water running under the snow with thin surfaces, but these were avoidable according to the May 9 report.

What are the temperature and sun exposure like?

Temperatures can vary greatly. Reports from [May 9](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-10.175017574831) and [May 23](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-25.222826064801) describe it as very hot and dusty, with brutal sun exposure, essential to wear glacier glasses, buffs, caps, and sunscreen. On May 12, temperatures at the top were in the mid-40s but felt colder due to wind. Unexpected cloud cover provided welcome shade on May 12. The heat was a significant challenge on May 9, even with plenty of water.

Mount St. Helens - Worm Flows Route

South Cascades

updated 4 months ago

Conditions on the Worm Flows Route of Mount St. Helens are varied. Early May saw significant snow, with one report on May 17 describing three feet of fresh powder after a snowstorm, forcing a turn-back due to high winds near the weather station. However, by May 23, the trail was snow-free from the start up to about 1000 feet above the monitoring station, with firm snow encountered further up that was manageable with microspikes. Another report from May 12 noted sparse snow conditions, transitioning to all snow around 6200 feet, with strong winds at the summit. Earlier, on May 9, crampons and ice axes were needed for snowfields, and by May 9, the lower boulder field was dry and hot, with patchy snow starting just below the lower weather station, and hikers transitioning fully to snow around 5500 feet. Glissading was reported as doable and effective in the afternoons of May 9 and May 23.

Generated from 48 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Mount St. Helens - Worm Flows Route

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 4 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 4 months, so everything below is at least that old.

As of May 23, the trail was snow-free from the start up to about 1000 feet above the monitoring station, with firm snow encountered further up. Earlier reports from May 9 and May 9 mention snowfields and patchy snow starting below the weather station, while May 17 described nearly three feet of fresh powder after a storm.