August 13, 2023 - Mt. Adams is the second highest peak in Washington with an 18-mile wide diameter; it is the largest volcano by bulk in the state and supports 10 active glaciers.

Start at the Cold Springs Campground (5,600') and hike up the South Climb Trail #183. This trail is easy to follow and will take you to the Crescent Glacier where the route gets slightly more interesting; continue on by ascending the ridge to the west and crossing the glacier east across to "Lunch Counter" at about 9,250' which is at the base of the main part of the South Climb, or Suksdorf Ridge at 9,400. From "Lunch Counter," head north up either the main snow field or Suksdorf Ridge to the west. By July, many steps will already be present on the snow field for easy hiking. Once you reach Piker's Peak at 11,657', aka the false summit, continue north to the true summit at 12,276'. Although this route is considered non-technical, crampons and and ice axe are recommended year-round. Bring an ice axe or ski pole for glissading.

COLD SPRINGS CAMPGROUND: This is the trailhead for the South Spur Route (aka South Climb Trail #183) and it is best reached from the South via WA SR-14 or I-84 on the Columbia Gorge (if you are coming via I-84, cross over the Columbia River to SR-14 at the town of Hood River). Turn north on SR-141 or SR-141 Alt. (west and east of Hood River respectively), however, SR-141 Alt. is much more direct and will join SR-141 heading north. Driving north on WA SR-141, turn right and continue north on to Mount Adams Recreation Road (aka SR-17; you'll know you're on the right road when Mount Adams dominates your horizon. Branch off on to FR-80, FR-8040 and then FR-8040500 following signs for the "South Climb". These are all one lane roads, however as of August 2003 there are no longer any major ruts on the road.

MOUNT ADAMS WILDERNESS: Between April 1 and October 31, a Cascade Volcano Pass is required if you wish to climb above 7,000 feet. This is a per-person fee-based pass that has a graduated cost depending on when you climb ($15 weekend vs. $10 weekday). Mount Adams is one of the few mountains where rangers hunt down individuals without volcano passes. Driving north on SR-141, the Ranger office is about half a mile north of the junction with the Mount Adams Recreation Road (Chevron station at the junction) so you if you are heading to the South Spur trailhead you will need to pass the turn off initially and then come back. MOUNT ADAMS RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 2455 Highway 141, Trout Lake, WA 98650 - Tel: (509) 395-3400 - Hours: Mon - Sat, 8:00am - 4:30pm - closed 12-1.

YAKAMA INDIAN RESERVATION: If you wish to climb any of the routes that start in the Yakama Indian Reservation (e.g. Mazama Glacier, Klickitat Glacier, The Castle, or Rusk Glacier Headwall, etc.) and want to start your hike from Bird Creek Meadows, you will need a Yakama Indian Reservation Tract-D tribal-use permit. Permits to the reservation can only be purchased at the fee station as one enters the reservation and then only when they are open to non-native use. needs to be dislayed on your windshield when parked at the trailhead.