Spotted: On Mount St. Helens

Since she blew her top in 1980 — slicing 1,300 feet off a summit climb that now rewards visitors with stunning views of a gaping crater and steaming lava dome — Mount St. Helens has grown ever more popular for adventurous souls.

She’s also inspired some wacky traditions.

Few are more colorful than the Mother’s Day pilgrimage: That’s when mobs of climbers of either gender make the five- or six-hour ascent wearing frilly skirts, lacy gowns, smart kilts or flowery dresses. A few garish wigs and stuffed animals may be seen.

It’s a free-spirited tribute to good ol’ Mom or Mother Nature herself (take your pick).

On the last weekend before a 100-person daily climb permit limit begins (each May 15), stir in brilliant weather and you’ve got quite a scene.

Under cobalt-blue skies on May 9, just shy of 300 climbers made the jaunt. Most embraced the ritual, whether casual hikers, alpine skiers, snowboarders or even Mazamas mountaineer club members. Hairy-legged snowboarders and skiers whizzing downhill added a touch of the surreal.

It’s not our favorite volcano’s only party date, said Jeanne Bennett of the Mount St. Helens Institute (online vendor of all climb permits). The first Sunday each August, several Microsoft Corp. employees lug a barbecue to the rim and hand out free hot dogs and ice cream.

“The mountain is starting to develop its own little culture,” Bennett said.