Climbing Mt Adams

While Mt. Rainier is considered the jewel of Northwest peaks, a trek to the summit of 12,276-foot Mt. Adams is one of the most underestimated and enjoyable climbs in the western United States. Mt. Adams is the second highest peak in Washington State and often overlooked as a climbing destination by other peaks closer to major metropolitan areas such as Mt. Rainier (Seattle), Mt. Hood (Portland) and Mt. Baker (Vancouver). The southern-most volcano in the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Adams is near the Washington-Oregon border, just outside of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area. Go Trek uses its program on Mt. Adams to introduce people to the sport of mountaineering. We climb the South Spur route which has permanent snow and offers non-technical climbing.

No previous climbing experience is required. This climbing trip complements well with a visit to “The Gorge” and the town of Hood River, Oregon, known to outdoor enthusiasts as the windsurfing capital of the U.S. and a playground for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and more. Participants in the Mt. Adams adventure also are encouraged to visit the nearby Walla Walla wine region, home to more than 70 wineries that are setting the standard for U.S. winemaking, especially when it comes to Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons.

Mt. Adams Summit Climb

Mt. Adams Intermediate Level Climbs

While Northwest Mountain Guides features a terrific climb up Mt. Adams’ south slope that has proven extremely popular with beginning and intermediate skill-level mountaineers, Craig Van Hoy is offering a dynamic summit ascent for experienced technical climbers only via the Mt. Adams Glacier route. Mountain preparation and understanding of ice axes, crampons and ropes are required for many of the challenging sections – including steeper glaciated terrain with slopes up to 45 degrees. Participants will ascend an icefall to the summit dome and then proceed south to the thrilling True Summit.