Mount Adams Climb Itinerary
1 Week Before the Climb
Gear Check. We’ll have a mandatory virtual Gear Check via Zoom at 12:00 p.m. PT (noon) one week prior to the trip. We’ll review the functionality of each piece of gear, packing methodology, and logistics for the trip. This orientation lasts about 1.5 hours. If you are renting gear from Alpine Ascents, those rentals must be picked up from our Seattle office before your trip starts.
Day 1
We’ll meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Inn of White Salmon in White Salmon, WA and head to Mount Adams. Next we’ll drive to the Cold Springs trail head and begin our approach. Approximately five hours will be spent on the moderately strenuous approach, as we begin our hike from 5,600 feet in the forest. Our climb will take us through forest, high alpine meadows and seasonal snow-covered regions to High Camp, which is spectacularly situated at Lunch Counter, (9,250 feet). From this spot, climbers can view stunning Mt. Hood to the south, and the sunset to the west. On this day we cover basic snow skills, use of ice axe, self belay, and walking/climbing in crampons on snow.
Day 2
Summit day. To minimize risk and maximize our optimum traveling conditions, we’ll begin the climb early to reach the summit around dawn. Our route takes us to 12,276 feet, where we’ll reach the true summit of Mt. Adams. We’ll take photos of Mt. Rainer, as well as the other volcanoes visible from Adams’ summit, such as Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood. At a moderate pace, the summit climb should take four to six hours. On our way down, should conditions warrant, we’ll have the opportunity to glissade and this can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the descent back to High Camp. At High Camp, we’ll pack up or belongings and head down to the trailhead, then either overnight in Trout Lake or drive back to Seattle.
Yes – I enjoyed it very much! The two days were filled with good instruction, focus on safety, and great support. Both our guides kept the team on task and were very clear on directions and importance of safety.
