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 a provisional climb for Jude Baker. If you have any questions about this climb, please email Jude at judith394@msn.com. 

It will be a two day climb of Mt Adams with an overnight backpack at the lunch counter, summit the 2nd day and hike back to the trailhead. This is the standard route up the south side of the mountain, 12 miles round trip, with 6700 feet gain. This climb starts on Tuesday which will reduce issues of crowds at the trailhead. This climb is suitable for new BCEP grads.

We will backpack from the trailhead at 5600 feet to the lunch counter (9300 feet) on Tuesday.  We will set up camp, and spend the night, which helps to acclimatize to the elevation.  Early on Wednesday we will climb to the summit (12,276 feet ) on moderately steep snow slopes,  and then return to our camp. We will then break down camp and hike back to the trailhead.   

 

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