Distance
11.6 miles roundtrip
Trail Guide
South Climb Route
11.6 mi roundtrip · 6,300 ft gain · Hard · Mount Adams
Trail Stats
Elevation Gain
6,300 ft
Highest Point
12,281 ft
Trailhead Elevation
5,600 ft
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Type
Out And Back
Features
Volcanic summit
Glacier views
Non-technical summit climb
Technical Notes
Most popular route on Mount Adams. Non-technical but extremely strenuous — 6,300 ft of elevation gain. Typically done as a 2-day trip with camp at Lunch Counter (~9,400 ft). Snow and ice year-round. Crampons and ice axe recommended above 9,000 ft even in summer. Cascades Volcano Pass required. Altitude effects above 10,000 ft. Route is straightforward but long and exposed.
Getting There
Trailhead
Cold Springs Trailhead
FR-8040, Trout Lake, WA
Parking: ~50 spaces
From Seattle
200 mi · 250 min drive
I-5 South to SR-14 East along the Columbia River. SR-141 North to Trout Lake. Follow FR-80 then FR-8040 to Cold Springs. ~4 hours from Seattle. Gravel road last 5 miles.
Planning Details
Best Season
June through September
Dogs Allowed
No
Mountain
Mount Adams · 12,281 ft · South Cascades
Avalanche Forecast
Check current avalanche conditions for the Mount Adams zone before your trip.
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