Mount Adams Climb Itinerary

Day Before Climb 2:00pm: Gear check- Mandatory. A thorough gear check ensures everyone is fully equipped and prepared to depart the next morning. Rental gear is fitted and packed at this time. Location: Alpine Ascents Seattle office, 2:00pm. Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Day 1: 7:30am meeting at Trout Lake Valley Inn, in Trout Lake, Washington (most climbers opt to stay the night before in this motel). We then drive to the Cold Springs trail head (30 min) and begin our approach.  Approx. 5 hours are spent on the moderately strenuous approach, as we hike from 5,600’ in the forest. Climbing continues through forest, high alpine meadows and seasonal snow covered regions to high camp, spectacularly situated at Lunch Counter, 9,250’. Views from this elevation of Mt. Hood to the South and the sunset to the West are both expansive and stunning.  We cover basic snow skills, use of ice axe, self-arrest, & walking/climbing in crampons for this climb on snow.

Day 2: Summit day. To ensure safety and optimum traveling conditions, we begin the climb early to reach the summit around dawn. Our route takes us to 12,276’ where we reach the true summit of Mt. Adams. We take photos of Mt. Rainer, as well as the other volcanoes visible from Adams’ summit such as St. Helens & Hood. At a moderate pace, the summit climb should take 4-6hrs up. On our way down we have the opportunity to glissade should conditions warrant, and this can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the descent back to high camp.  Upon returning to camp we pack up or belongings and head down to the trail head then either overnight in Trout Lake or begin the drive back to Seattle.