Mount Adams (South Climb) Car Camping

DEPENDENT ON WEATHER, SNOW, ROAD, AND TEAM CONDITIONS. THE EVENT MAY BE MODIFIED, RESCHEDULED, OR CANCELLED IF CONDITIONS ARE NOT FAVORABLE.

Mount Adams is the second highest mountain in Washington and one of the classic non-technical volcano climbs in the Cascades. The South Climb route is physically demanding rather than technically difficult under good conditions, but it still involves steep snow climbing, altitude, exposure to weather, and glacier adjacent terrain. Good fitness, proper gear, and solid judgment are required.
The route typically follows a long snow ascent from Cold Springs Campground through Lunch Counter and up to Pikers Peak before continuing to the true summit. Expect a full value mountain experience with snow travel, crampons, ice axe usage, glissading conditions depending on snow quality, strong sun exposure, cold wind, and rapidly changing mountain weather.

Stats:
Distance: ~12 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~6,700 feet
Summit Elevation: 12,276 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous snow climb / mountaineering objective

Tentative Plan:
Wed 05/13
• 3:00 PM meet at the Eastgate Park and Ride
• Drive to Cold Springs Campground trailhead
• Overnight car camping at trailhead or nearby camp area depending on conditions and arrival time
• Early sleep for alpine start

Thursday 05/14
• Alpine start around 3 AM depending on conditions
• Climb via South Spur / Lunch Counter route
• Extended breaks only as conditions allow
• Summit attempt dependent on weather, snow conditions, turnaround time, and team strength
• Descend carefully and return to trailhead
• Drive back to Seattle area

Required Gear:
• Mountaineering boots or waterproof insulated boots suitable for snow travel
• Microspikes are NOT sufficient; crampons required
• Ice axe
• Helmet
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp with fresh batteries
• Warm layering system including shell jacket/pants
• Gloves and extra gloves and Mittens
• Goggles or sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip protection
• Emergency bivy
• Navigation tools / offline GPS recommended
• 10 essentials
• Food and at least 3 liters of water
• gaiters, sit pad, glissade shorts/trash bag

Please train and prepare appropriately before signing up. While the South Climb is considered a beginner friendly volcano route under good conditions, it is still a serious alpine objective involving altitude, snow travel, fatigue management, and objective mountain hazards. A fall on steep snow can have severe consequences.
Drivers should be comfortable driving forest roads and passengers should contribute toward gas and vehicle wear/tear costs.

Useful Links:
WTA:
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-adams-south-climb
Route Info / GPS:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/mount-adams-south-climb-trail
Weather:
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Adams/forecasts/3741

SOA Event Attendance Disclaimer:
S.O.A. is not a professional guide service. SOA meetup organizers function, as facilitators only, to enhance the collective group outdoor experience. By participating in any SOA event you agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify SOA, its members, and its organizers from any and all liability in the event of injury or loss. Reports of trail and weather conditions are available to all (internet) and subject to change. You are responsible for your own safety and the overall safety and wellbeing of the group. We respect the environment we adventure in. We collectively know that hiking involves risks and that weather changes quickly in the mountains. We know the more prepared we individually are, the better the chance we will remain safe as a group. We leave no trace.