The South Side route is a high, gentle climb great for beginning climbers who want an overnight trip with fewer people and a more wilderness feel than Hood. There are no crevasses on this route. Be careful if you glissade - a twisted ankle here is a LOT more serious problem than on Hood. Skiers take note: this route can have over a 6,000 foot vertical descent in early season! Ambitious and fit climbers can try this car to car in one day.

Activity Notes

Climb/Ski of Mt. Adams.  Backup dates will be following weekends. 

Please make sure your profile indicates your backcountry ski experience.  All climbers are expected to have some avalanche related experience and have access to beacon/shovel/probe.  Some of this gear can be borrowed from the mazamas if you have the necessary previous training.

We will be backcountry snow camping.  Please have the appropriate gear to stay warm!

I will look to start making firmer plans, team selection and prospectus on Monday before the climb via email. We will most likely starting from Morrison Creek TH.  Decent route will depend on conditions but primary object will be SW chutes so please be comfortable skiing in steep terrain.

If you are newer to climbing or have questions, I encourage you to reach out to me beforehand to make sure this climb is a good fit for you! If registration is closed and you would like to join / have the necessary experience please also feel free to reach out!

 Each climber will be responsible for purchasing their own permit from recreation.gov. Please do not do this until last possible minute! The cost for a weekend permit is $20.

Links

Route Info

Trailhead

Required Gear

  • Ice Axe / Crampons / Helmet
  • Flotation (Skis/Board)
  • Avy Gear (Beacon, Shovel, Probe)
Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 100 miles
Driving Time from Portland 2 hours
Expected Duration Car to car in two or more days
Interesting Features Spectacular Views
Relevant Books Climbers Guide to the Cascade Volcanoes by Jeff Smoot Selected Climbs in the North Cascades by Nelson and Potterfield Cascade Alpine Guide: Columbia River to Stevens Pass by Fred Beckey
Relevant Maps USGS 7 minute series, Mt. Adams West and Mt. Adams East, or USDA Forest Service Mt. Adams Wilderness map Google map https://www.google.com/maps/@46.199593,-121.4982232,14.33z/data=!5m1!1e4
Awards Qualified 16 Major NW Peaks, Guardian Peaks
Useful Links GPS Track New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows. GPS Coordinates New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows. Map New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows.
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