Mt. Adams, at 12,276 feet, is the second highest peak in Washington. There are several climbing routes on the mountain, ranging from the “non-technical” South Climb, to highly technical routes that require advanced skill, experience, and special equipment. Because of the high elevation, all climbs have a measure of difficulty and danger.
Weather on Mt. Adams can change rapidly. Sudden snowstorms can occur above 6,000 feet elevation at any month of the year. What appears to be a non-technical route can change drastically during these storms. Your safety requires preparation and good judgment. Climbers should always prepare for bad weather and an extended stay on the mountain.
All climbers need to be prepared to deal with varying weather, snow, and rock conditions. Detailed information on climbing routes is available from a number of climbing guidebooks. Consult these as you plan your trips. In addition to the Ten Essentials for outdoor recreation, equipment should include sturdy hiking boots, ice ax, crampons, and ropes when travelling on glaciers. Be prepared and know your limits.
Mt. Adams climbing routes and summit are within the Mt. Adams Wilderness and is protected and managed to preserve its natural condition. It is to provide opportunities for solitude as well as primitive and unconfined types of recreation. Help us care for this unique area.
- Mt. Adams Climbing Report
- Climbing Routes, Mountain Safety, Wilderness Restrictions & Leave No Trace
- Mt. Adams Wilderness Digital Map (Avenza)
Directions
From Bingen, WA., take Highway 141 north 25 miles to Trout Lake, WA. Continue on Highway 141 through Trout Lake, one mile, and you will see the sign for the Mt. Adams Ranger Station. Mt. Adams Ranger Station is located at 2455 Highway 141, Trout Lake, WA 98650.
Climbing Routes
South Climb
- The South Climb is considered a “non-technical” route, however, ice axes and crampons are recommended year-round. South Climb Trail #183 begins at the end of Forest Road 8040-500. The three-mile section of the road beyond Morrison Creek Campground is extremely rough and narrow. Please drive carefully!
- Time: 6-8 hours up (ascending), 4-6 hour down (descending). Many climbers begin their ascent one day, then spend the night at some elevation in order to adjust to the altitude, prior to beginning their ascent of the summit. Lunch Counter, the relatively flat area above Crescent Glacier is the most highly used camping area. Those seeking a more sheltered and less popular camp area may choose to camp below Crescent Glacier, in the Morrison Creek drainage.
North Cleaver
- The North Cleaver Route is rocky. Ice axes and crampons are essential. Access the North Cleaver via Killen Creek Trail #113, then High Camp Trail #10 (approximately four miles). North Cleaver lies in a north-south direction between Adams and Lava Glaciers. A bearing of due south across the summit dome leads to the summit.
- Time: 12-16 hours from the road to summit; 5-8 hours down. (Allow 2 days).
Adams Glacier
- For Experienced Technical Climbers Only — Crevassed 35-40 degree slopes and prevalent heavy rockfalls. Ice axes, crampons, and ropes required. Access the Adams Glacier route via Killen Creek Trail #113, then High CampTrail #10 (approximately four miles). From High Camp bear southeast to the lower edge of Adams Glacier (approximately 7,000 feet elevation). Continue southeast for one to one-and-one half miles to icefall between North Ridge and Northwest Ridge. Ascend icefall to summit dome and then south to the True Summit.
- Time: Conditions on the Adams Glacier route are generally better in early summer. Allow two days to complete the climb.
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 46° 12′ 8.8748″ N
Longitude 121° 29′ 26.6795″ W