AYM Hike: Bird Creek Meadows

Activity Notes

Bird Creek Meadows features spectacular wildflower displays and incredible views of the east face of Mount Adams. The Yakama Tribe only opens this area for a few weeks every year, so hikers need to visit during these times only. Join AYM for an adventure across the wildflower meadows and to the Hellroaring Viewpoint.  If time and energy allow, we'll continue up a faint trail to seldom-visited Iceberg Lake, a turquoise pool at the base of the aptly-named Mazama Glacier. Bring a picnic and enjoy the best of what this incredible place has to offer! 

Hikers are strongly encouraged to carpool for this hike as it is 2 hours of driving each way, parking is limited, and the access fee is $20 per car. We will establish carpools before the hike. If you wish to drive separately, please let the leader know as far in advance as possible. The roads are generally accessible in any vehicle but a high-clearance vehicle such as a Subaru Outback or Crosstrek is recommended in any case. You can find the location of the trailhead at this link. 

Plan on a long day and prepare for sun, mosquitoes, and potentially rough trail conditions. The trail from Hellroaring Viewpoint to Iceberg Lake is steep, rocky, and faint. Trekking poles are strongly recommended. 

Leader has not done this hike before, so this will be classified as an exploratory hike.

Hike: Bird Creek Meadows loop - 6.0 miles, 1400' EG

         with Iceberg Lake addition - 8.8 miles, 2500' EG

Drive distance from Portland: 2 hours and 15 minutes (100 miles each way)