I climbed Mount St. Helens in 2018 and made a big decision at the top.

My 2018 Mount St. Helens climb was a major turning point in my life. I am sharing exactly what went wrong and what I learned from the mountain. This video is for anyone planning a Mount St. Helens climb or those interested in how challenging outdoor experiences can shift your perspective. I break down the specific preparation steps I missed during that first attempt and the adjustments I am making for my return trip in June 2027. Whether you are training for your first mountain expedition or just enjoy hearing stories from the trail, these hiking lessons apply to more than just the summit. Understanding these climbing mistakes is essential before you attempt your own Mount St. Helens hike. I cover the gear, the mindset, and the logistical realities of this specific route. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: My first St. Helens Hike Attempt 01:40 - What is glissading? 02:08 - Plans changed, and so did my training 03:05 - Difference between climbing a mountain and going on a hike 03:51 - The changes in terrain during a mountain climb 04:20 - Previously bouldering and scrambling experience 05:40 - Weather conditions in October on Mount St. Helens 06:09 - What is scree? 07:16 - Breathing troubles while hiking Mount St. Helens 08:48 - Climbing Mount St. Helens helped me make a profound personal decision 10:55 - Coming back down the mountain 12:28 - What I’m doing differently this time 13:53 - How my life has changed in the last decade