Colin Mulvany shot video and still photos at various points of the hike up to the crater rim of Mount St. Helens on Tuesday (Aug. 15). It's tough enough just to negotiate the difficult terrain for five miles and roughly 4,500 feet of elevation without having to work all along the way. So if Colin looks a bit tired in these photos, he's got good reason.

The weather was perfect -- sunny and clear. The vent at the top of the crater dome was spewing smoke and gurgling occasionally. Rockfalls could be heard somewhere around the crater every few minutes. The mountain put on a good show. One hundred people a day receive permits to make the tough trek. When asked, most people say the view was worth the effort. And it requires a lot of effort.

Look for the upcoming multimedia report from Colin and a story from John Stucke.

Ken Sands called earlier today to inform us that the climbing party made it safely up and down the mountain. Look for updates and a multimedia presentation later this week at spokesmanreview.com.

I'm driving over to Mount St. Helens today to pick up permits that have been reserved for hiking to the crater rim tomorrow. Now that the mountain is open again, we felt it was appropriate to do some first-hand investigation on your behalf.

Reporter John Stucke and photographer/videographer Colin Mulvany will document the adventure. Eastern Washington University students Justin Grimes and Laura Heath also are along for the trip.

We'll let you know how it goes!