Summary:
Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is considering allowing three year-round backcountry huts at Lahar Viewpoint, Climber’s Bivouac, and the Swift Ski Trail.
Public comments must be submitted by email to SM.FS.r6commentGP1@usda.gov by September 20th.
Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and Gifford Pinchot National Forest are considering whether to approve a permit for three year-round backcountry huts. The huts will be run by a private operator and will each accommodate up to six people.
The planned locations for the huts are Lahar Viewpoint, near Climber's Bivouac, and near the Swift Ski Trail.
Access to the Lahar Viewpoint and Climber's Bivouac huts will be by hike or vehicle in the summer and by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile in the winter. It is not clear from the proposal whether individuals will be able to take vehicles and snowmobiles to these huts, or whether motorized access is limited to the hut operator.
Access to the Swift Ski Trail hut is non-motorized only.
The Forest Service envisions opening the huts by the 2023/24 season.
There's a very short window for public comments on the proposal. Comments must be submitted by September 20 to SM.FS.r6commentGP1@usda.gov. You can download the entire proposal below for more information.
Comments