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

We're aiming to ascend the south side route and ski the SW Chutes. This is a non-technical climb, but folks should be competent skiers/riders in variable conditions. It's a fairly open run - not a chute per se - that descends for 4,000'+ at a consistent 35+ degree pitch. It's like it was made for skiing; it's a classic! 

Here's the equipment list: 

-Skis or splitty

-Climbing skins

-Transceiver/probe/shovel

-Boot crampons

-Ski crampons

-Alpine axe or whippet

-Helmet

-Ten Essentials

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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