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

This is the standard route up the south side of the mountain, 12 miles round trip, with 6700 feet gain.  Starting on Friday should reduce issues of crowds at the trailhead. We will have a  moderate pace.  This climb is suitable for new BCEP grads. We will backpack from the trailhead at 5600 feet to the lunch counter (9300 feet on a flat, rocky area) on Friday.  We shall set up camp, and spend the night, which helps to acclimatize to the elevation.  Early on Saturday, we will climb to the summit (12,276 feet ) on moderately step snow slopes,  and then return to our camp.   Depending on the time and party desires, either hike out to cars or spend a second night and return Early Sunday.
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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