Hike to the Summit of Mount Adams via South Climb
Skamania County, Washington
Details
Distance
12 miles
Elevation Gain
6700 ft
Description
Added by Jeffrey Helbling
Snow hike up 6,740' to the summit of Washington's second highest peak. Get amazing views of Mt. Hood and the Gorge.
Start by checking in at the Trout Lake Ranger station to pick up a Cascade Volcanoes pass for $10-$15. Continue the South Climb trailhead at the Cloud Cap Campground. Some hikers overnight here for an early start the next day.
Sign out a wilderness permit at the trailhead and follow the South Climb Trail to the base of the Crescent Glacier. Continue on the trail up the ridge. There are numerous campsites with wind breaks on the ridge if a low camp is desired.
Once above the Crescent Glacier continue to ascend the snow field. Crampons may be necessary depending on snow firmness. Toward the east side of the snow field is a plateau known as the Lunch Counter. The Lunch Counter at about 9,400' is a popular camp spot with lots of wind breaks, but can be crowded on weekends. Slightly higher above the Lunch Counter are a few more secluded campsites and wind breaks which offer amazing views of Mt Hood and the Gorge.
Either stay the night here or continue on. Ascend the steep snowfield. Depending on snow conditions crampons may be necessary. It is possible to scramble up the rocks on Sukdorf Ridge to the left of the snowfield. Generally the snow softens in the afternoon. In soft snow conditions it is possible to ascend the snow slope in boots.
Once to the crest of the snowfield an old telegraph wire is exposed on the left. Continue on the trail along the right side of the crest and cross the snowfield. Take the switchbacks in the dirt to the false summit known as Piker's Peak at 11,657'. Once on the summit travel up the final ascent to the NW to the abandoned mine shack at 12,276'. Across the east side there are several campsites with wind breaks.
For slightly more challenging ascent take the SW Couloirs with crampons and ice axe to the summit from the crest of Sukdorfs Ridge.
On Clear days views of Mt Rainer to the North, Mt St Helens to the East, Mt Hood and Mt Jefferson to the South.
Descend the way you came. On the snow field by Sukdorf's ridge epic glissading chutes develop in mid to late summer. Glissading in these chutes can be a fun way to descent a few thousand feet but beware of rocks and other hazards.
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Hike to the Summit of Mount Adams via South Climb Reviews
Our five girl crew summited mount adams in two days and shared our two person tent. I got a little altitude sick above 11k from not drinking enough water, I think. Using crampons up the snow was pretty scary for me at times and one of the girls if our group managed it with only micro spikes. All in all it was super fun!
5.0
Mount Adams offers an incredible opportunity to climb to the top of a volcano without technical gear. We camped at the Lunch Counter and got an early start on the summit bid, glissading down by mid morning. There was a water source a short walk from camp. Wildflowers were prolific and the views were endless!
5.0
Beautiful clear day with fresh snow on the whole mountain (end of September). Made camp at Lunch Counter and proceeded to summit at sunset. Windy at the top of the false summit (Pikers Peak). Glissading back down was great and quick; make sure everything is secure on your bag. Route is so heavily traveled all you have to do is follow the footsteps. 4hrs Parking Lot to Lunch Counter, 5hrs Lunch Counter-Summit-Lunch Counter, 2hrs Lunch Counter back down to Parking Lot.
5.0
We did this hike in early July 2013 without having done other mountaineering, and lived every part of the trip. We arrived at night to the campground at the trailhead and then left mid morning the next day. The hike up on dry trail was easy. The snow hiking on fields was fun, including a step wall that gave us a good sense of the harder stuff to come. We camped at lunch counter to enjoy the views. It was clear and lovely. We had our choice of flat spots protected by man-made rock walls. Woke the next morning and hiked straight up the pitch, to the false Summit, and then all the way up. It was clear and bright and glorious. We goofed around on top while taking in the views of Rainier, Helens, Hood and others. Well worth a one-nighter. Lots of people but didn't matter. The place is so open and the trip so worth it.
5.0
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