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

Mount Adams (12,307 feet in altitude), the second highest peak in Washington, stands in the southwestern part of the state. The Klickitat and Yakama Indians called it Pahto. They claimed it as their mountain. To learn about the legend of Pahto, follow this link: https://www.gatheringthestories.org/2015/01/13/a-mount-adams-story/#:~:text=Mount%20Adams%20(12%2C307%20feet%20in,Hattie%20Wesley%2C%20acting%20as%20interpreter . This climb is designated for less experienced mountaineers. For example, maybe you've taken BCEP but don't have a lengthy climb resume. Or, perhaps you've backpacked or summited a mountain in a day. We will instead take our time so no one feels intimidated. Leaving Cold Springs Campground, we will carry packs and gear to the Lunch Counter area around 9000 ft, where we will set up advanced base camp. From the Lunch Counter we will travel up steeper snow covered slopes to the false summit (aka Pikers Peak) and then the true summit. Once back to Lunch Counter we will spend a second night relaxing in a beautiful setting before packing up and hiking out on the third day. Heck, we might even see mountain goats!
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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