Mount Adams South Climb

Route Description for Mount Adams South Climb

If you want the easiest route up Mount Adams, the South Climb is it. Not that this trail is easy, but it’s the least technically demanding ascent. That being said, you’ll still want to be comfortable using crampons and an ice axe, navigating across snowfields, and potentially camping on the mountain for a night. The reward is a view from the second-tallest mountain in the state.

This ascent can be done in a day, but it would be an arduous day. Splitting it up over two days also allows you to make your summit push in the morning when the snow is firm. Most people camp at the Lunch Counter.

You’ll start at South Climb Trailhead, hiking up an old road bed. The first mile offers no shade, much like most of the hike. Continue past Morrison Creek, a good spot to top up your water.

The footing becomes very rocky after the creek. Make your way along carefully and begin to climb the ridgeline ahead. The elevation gain here is aggressive and you’ll likely need to navigate snowfields. At the Lunch Counter, either set up camp or just take a breather.

Past the Lunch Counter, you’ll climb to Pikers Peak. Be prepared for an aggressive climb to this false summit that can be made more difficult by high winds. You can take a break on the peak if it’s not too windy.

From Piper’s Peak, you’ll make your way up to the summit cone of Mount Adams. The air noticeably thins out as you gain elevation, so take your ascent only as fast as you safely can. From the top, gaze out over Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, Mount Rainier, and Mount St. Helens. On a clear day, the views are sublime.

From here, you’ll descend the same way you came up.

Hiking Route Highlights

Mount Adams

3,743 m Mount Adams is the second-highest mountain in Washington State. Originally named Pahto or Klickitat, it rises above the Cascade Range in the southern portion of the state. Although Mount Adams has not erupted in over 1,000 years, it’s still considered to be potentially active. The mountain was named for President John Adams.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to climb Mount Adams?

The South Climb can be done in around 10-12 hours, but most hikers split it up over two days.

Has anyone ever died on Mount Adams?

Two individuals have died on the mountain in the last 5 years. It’s a climb worthy of your preparation and care.

Can you climb Mount Adams without crampons?

While hikers have climbed Mount Adams in microspikes before, we don’t recommend coming under-prepared as the snowfields can be difficult to cross without crampons in certain conditions.

Insider Hints for Mount Adams South Climb

• Bring lots of water and refill where you can. This trail is unshaded for lots of the climb.
• You’ll need a Cascade Volcano Pass from May 1-September 30 if you’ll be climbing above 2,134 m. You can buy one at the Mount Adams Ranger Station or the Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station.
• If you’re not going above 2,134 m, you’ll just need a Northwest Forest Pass and Wilderness Permit.