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Mount Adams from timberline. |
Mt. ADAMS,
with its summit of 12,276 feet elevation, is the second highest
peak in Washington State and the third highest peak in the Cascades
Range. There are several climbing routes on the mountain, ranging
from the "non-technical" South Climb to highly technical
routes that require advance skill, experience, and special equipment.
Because of the high elevation,
all climbs have a measure of difficultly and danger. Weather on
Mt.Adams can change rapidly. Sudden snowstorms can occur above 6,000
feet elevation at any month of the year. What appears to be a non-technical
route can change drastically during these storms. Your safety will
be the result of your preparation and good judgment. Climbers should
always prepare for bad weather and an extended stay on the mountain.
Mt.
Adams is Wilderness, was designated by Congress in
1964 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. A Wilderness,
in contrast to other federal land designations, is protected and
managed to preserve its natural condition. It is to provide opportunities
for solitude as well as primitive and unconfined types of recreation.
Your actions will help us care for this unique area.
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The sunset casts spectacular
colors from lunch counter staging area. (Photo by Gaston Porterie) |
Purchase of a Cascades
Volcano Pass is required if you are climbing above 7,000 feet elevation
in Mt.Adams Wilderness, between June 1 and September 30. The Cascades
Volcano Pass is a Recreational Fee Demonstration Program, see FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions).
PRICES FOR MT.
ADAMS
- $15 per person for a Weekend Pass valid for
a single climbing trip involving any weekend day, Friday-Sunday.
- $10 per person for a Weekday Pass valid for
a single climbing trip on weekdays, Monday-Thursday.
- $30 per person for an Annual Pass valid for
unlimited climbs at Mt. Adams during the calendar year purchased.
Passes at Mt. Adams are
free to people under 16 years of age.
AVAILABILITY
Single trip and annual
passes are available during regular office hours at the Mt. Adams
Ranger Station in Trout Lake and the Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station
in Randle, Washington. Single trip and annual passes are also available
by mail. Please fill out and Cascades Volcano Pass Order Form (
PDF Format or RFT
Format ) with your check. Single trip passes may also be purchased
at self-issuing stations located at the Mt. Adams Ranger Station
and the Killen Creek Trailhead (#113).
At fee stations, each
person needs to:
- Fill out a fee envelope.
- Single trip visitors need to enclose the indicated amount
of money (cash or check)
- Annual pass holders fill in their annual pass number. Be
sure to check the appropriate box on the envelope.
- Separate the pass from the envelope and attach to each person's
pack.
- Separate the parking voucher from the envelope and place on
the front dash of your vehicle. This is in lieu of the Northwest
Forest Pass. The parking voucher needs to be visible from the
outside of your vehicle.
- Deposit the sealed envelope in the fee tube.
CLIMBING REGISTER
Each group needs to fill
out one climbing register. Climbing registers are available at all
fee stations. Maximum group size is 12 people. The climbing registers
provide statistics on Wilderness use and facilitate search and rescue.
Climbers do not need to sign-in after their climb.
HUMAN WASTE PACK-OUT
BAGS
Climbers are requested
to pack out all solid body wastes (feces) on all climbing routes.
Human waste pack-out bags are available for free at the Mt. Adams
Ranger Station. Disposal cans are located at the South Climb Trailhead.
OFF-SEASON CLIMBS
Cascades Volcano Passes
are not required from October 1 to May 31. They are not required
when staying below 7,000 feet elevation at any time of the year.
For Wilderness travel at low elevation or during the off-season,
Wilderness Permits are required. Wilderness Permits
are free. They are available at all trailheads and Ranger District
offices. Please note, vehicles parked at Wilderness trailheads are
required to have either a Northwest
Forest Pass or Cascades Volcano Pass parking stub.
SOUTH CLIMB
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Tracks from Pikers Peak (False Summit) leading
to summit of Mount Adams. (Photo by Gaston Porterie) |
The South Climb is considered
a "non-technical" route, however, ice axes and crampons
are recommended year-round.
South
Climb Trail #183 begins at the end of Forest Road 8040500. The
three-mile section of the road beyond Morrison Creek Campground
is extremely rough and narrow. Please drive carefully!
Follow Trail
#183 across the intersection with Round-the-Mountain
Trail #9, then continue to just below Crescent Glacier. Bearing
to the left of Crescent Glacier, continue your ascent around the
top of the glacier, and toward a large flat area know as the "Lunch
Counter" (approximately 9000 feet elevation). From Lunch
Counter, climb due north up the steep snow field or the talus ridge
just west of the snowfield to the false summit also known as Pikers
Peak (11,700 feet elevation). Cross the intervening divide
to the true summit, some 600 feet higher. Looking back occasionally
on your way up from timberline to the summit helps minimize route
confusion on your way down. Keys to the descent are re-crossing
Pikers Peak and bearing southeast below the Crescent Glacier.
TIME: 6-8 hours up (ascending),
4-6 hour down (descending).
Many climbers begin their
ascent one day, then spend the night at some elevation in order
to adjust to the altitude, prior to beginning their ascent of the
summit. Lunch Counter, the relatively flat area above Crescent Glacier
is the most highly used camping area. Those seeking a more sheltered
and less popular camp area may choose to camp below Crescent Glacier,
in the Morrison Creek drainage.
NORTH CLEAVER
The North Cleaver Route
is rocky. Ice axes and crampons are essential.
Access the North Cleaver
via Killen
Creek trail #113, then High
Camp trail #10 (approximately four miles). North Cleaver lies
in a north-south direction between Adams and Lava Glaciers. A bearing
of due south across the summit dome leads to the summit.
TIME: 12-16 hours from
the road to summit; 5-8 hours down. (Allow 2 days).
ADAMS GLACIER
For Experienced Technical
Climbers Only -- Crevassed 35-40 degree slopes and prevalent heavy
rockfalls. Ice axes, crampons, and ropes required.
Access the Adams Glacier
route via Killen
Creek trail #113, then High
Camp trail #10 (approximately four miles). From High Camp bear
southeast to the lower edge of Adams Glacier (approximately 7,000
feet elevation). Continue southeast for one to one-and-one half
miles to icefall between North Ridge and Northwest Ridge. Ascend
icefall to summit dome and then south to the True Summit.
TIME: Conditions on the
Adams Glacier route are generally better in early summer. Allow
two days to complete the climb.
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The sunrise casts the shadow of Mt. Adams
over western Washington. (Photo by Gaston Porterie) |
ACCEPT THE "LEAVE-NO-TRACE"
CHALLENGE
Minimum-impact backcountry
use is a hands-on, practical approach to caring about both the land
and others who share its richness. Its success hinges on the willingness
of the individual user to learn, to think, and then to commit knowledge
to action. You can demonstrate your commitment to a Backcountry
Ethic by following these simple guidelines:
- LIMIT THE SIZE OF YOUR GROUP. Large parties
disturb other visitors' solitude and cause greater impacts to
trails and campsites.
- PACK IT IN--PACK IT OUT!!! Take out all of
your garbage, along with anyone else's you might find along the
way. Remember--aluminum foil and plastic don't burn--take
them with you.
- USE AN ESTABLISHED CAMPSITE in high use areas,
OR--
- WHEN CAMPING IN MORE REMOTE AREAS, select a
site on resilient ground, at least 100 feet from lakes, streams
and trails, to reduce your impact and increase your privacy. Naturalize
your campsite when you leave.
- USE A BACKPACKING STOVE for cooking. Stoves
are cleaner, more convenient and don't scar the landscape as campfires
do.
- In Mt. Adams Wilderness, fires are prohibited above
6,000 feet elevation.
- EVEN "BIODEGRADABLE" SOAP POLLUTES
cold high country water. Collect water in a pot and wash yourself
and cooking gear at least 200 feet from water sources.
- DISPOSE OF SOLID HUMAN WASTE by burying it
6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from lakes, streams or trails.
Carry plastic ziplock bag to pack out used toilet paper. On Mt.
Adams climbing routes, pack out all solid wastes.
To learn more, visit the
Leave No Trace Organization
web site.
Mt.
Adams Wilderness, Indian Heaven Wilderness, and Trapper Creek
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Mt. Hood in the early morning light. (Photo
by Gaston Porterie) |
In order to protect and
to enhance the Wilderness character the following acts, pursuant
to 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b) are prohibited within Trapper Creek,
Indian Heaven and the Mt. Adams Wildernesses located in the Gifford
Pinchot National Forest, Mt. Adams Ranger District, until further
notice.
- Entering or being in Wilderness without a permit. 36 CFR 261.57(a)
- Entering or being in the Wilderness with a group consisting
of a combination of persons and pack or saddle stock exceeding
12 in total number without a special permit. 36 CFR 261.58(f)
- Shortcutting trail switchback. 36 CFR 261.55(d)
- Cutting or otherwise damaging any standing live or dead tree.
36 CFR 261.6(a) and 261.9(a)
- Grazing, hitching, tethering or hobbling any pack and saddle
livestock within 200 feet slope distance of the shoreline of any
lake. 36 CFR 261.57(e)
- Caching or storing hunting or camping equipment, personal property
or supplies.ME2E 36 CFR 261.57(f)
- Building, maintaining, or using a campfire above 6,000 feet
within the Mt. Adams Wilderness as described below: 36 CFR 261.52a
(a) Above the Round-The-Mountain Trail #9 from the Gifford Pinchot
National Forest Boundary west of the Pacific Crest Trail #2000
and,
(b) Above Pacific Crest Trail #2000 north to the intersection
of Highline Trail #114 and,
(c) Above trail #114 north and east to the Gifford Pinchot Forest
Boundary.
- Possessing or using a motorized or mechanized vehicle, or motorized
equipment such as a bicycle, snowmobile, or chainsaw. 36 CFR 261.16(a)
& (b)
Violation of these prohibitions
is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment
for not more than six (6) months, or both. Title 16 USC, Section
551.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE
FOR KNOWING AND OBSERVING LOCAL REGULATIONS
CARRY THE ESSENTIALS
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Summit of Mount Adams from near Pikers Peak.
(Photo by Gaston Porterie) |
All climbers should have
adequate equipment, including the following:
- Ice Axe, Crampons, Rope
- Map, Compass, Route Markers
- Climbing Boots
- First Aid Kit
- Waterproof matches and fire starter
- Pocket Knife
- Extra Food and Water
- Extra Clothing
- Emergency signal device
- Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Hat
- Emergency Shelter
- Flashlight, extra batteries, and bulb
- Human waste pack-out bags (to remove solid wastes)
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The summit suddenly disappears into the
clouds. (Photo by Gaston Porterie) |
PREVENT HYPOTHERMIA
- Stay Dry. Wet clothes lose about 90% of their
insulating value. Make sure your rain gear works.
- Beware of the Wind. Wind carries heat away
by driving cold air through clothing. Wear a wind breaker. Protect
your skin.
- Prevent Exhaustion. Exercise drains your energy
reserves. Stop and rest frequently while you still have energy.
If hypothermia develops, STOP TRAVELING. Help the victim reserve
energy and heat. Send for help.
- Eat and Drink. Drink and eat throughout the
day. Dehydration and insufficient energy lead to fatigue and depression,
poor circulation and lousy decisions.
- End Exposure. Seek shelter if conditions are
bad. If you can't stay warm and dry, turn back. Give up your objective,
not your life!
- Watch for Symptoms. Watch for these symptoms
among your companions: uncontrollable shivering; vague, slurred
speech; memory lapses; incoherence, or irrational behavior; fumbling
hands; frequent stumbling; drowsiness or exhaustion; hallucinations;
blueness of skin; dilation of pupils; weak or irregular pulse;
unconsciousness.
TAKE ACTION --
BELIEVE the SYMPTOMS, NOT the VICTIM!
- Prevent further heat loss. Get the victim out
of the wind and precipitation. Change out of wet clothes and into
dry, warm clothes. NEVER give the victim alcoholic beverages.
- Increase heat production. If the victim is
conscious, give warm, sweet drinks. Keep the semi-conscious victim
awake. Put the victim in a warm sleeping bag. Attempt to warm
the victim by providing heat to the chest area. Do NOT attempt
to warm extremities firSt.
- Seek medical help. Heart and lung failure are
significant threats to hypothermia victims.
PREVENT ALTITUDE
SICKNESS
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The summit offers spectacular views of Mt.
Rainer, Mt. Hood and Mount St. Helens. (Photo by Gaston Porterie) |
Nearly everyone who climbs
Mt. Adams will be affected to some extent by the change in altitude,
and all climbers need to be aware that altitude sickness
can pose a very real threat. There are four recognizable stages
of altitude sickness, ranging from acute mountain sickness (rare
below 6500-8000 feet) to pulmonary and cerebral edema which may
cause serious damage or death.
Symptoms.
Symptoms may include: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lack
of appetite, weakness, shortness of breath, loss of color or bluish
color around the lips, chills, difficulty falling asleep, increased
pulse and respiratory rates, blurred vision, confusion and disorientation.
More serious symptoms associated with pulmonary and cerebral edema
include a tight feeling in the chest, dry cough which becomes moist
and crackling with a noisy "bubbling" sound, rapid pulse
(120-160/minute), frothy or blood-tinged sputum, severe headache,
confusion, disorientation, and convulsions.
Treatment.
Descend to lower elevation immediately--a descent of even 2000 feet
may make a considerable difference. Slow down to reduce the body's
demand for oxygen. Make a conscious effort to breathe deeper and
faster. In more severe cases, give oxygen, if available.
Prevention.
Awareness is the only way to catch early symptoms. Go up slowly,
taking time to acclimate to the higher elevation. Planning a two-day
ascent, with the first night spent at a mid-point on the mountain,
will help the acclimation process. Increase fluid intake and carbohydrate
consumption; decrease fats in your diet. Avoid alcohol consumption
(even alcohol consumed several days prior to climbing may affect
the body's use of oxygen at high elevations). Smokers and anyone
using depressant drugs are more apt to suffer from altitude difficulties.
BE AWARE!
- Rolling rocks are a hazard in certain areas, particularly during
the latter part of the summer.
- Heed the first signs of weather changes, darkness, loss of route,
and fatigue while you can still place yourself in a protected
and secure position.
- Always maintain visual contact with the person in front of you
and the person behind you.
- Protect your eyes from snow blindness and your body from sunburn.
CLIMBING REGISTER
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Climbers descend the mountain by sliding
down the snow fields. (Photo by Gaston Porterie) |
A climbing register is
located at the Mt. Adams Ranger Station . For your safety, please
sign in at a Register before your outing. Forest Service personnel
use this information to check on overdue climbers.
IMPORTANT PHONE
NUMBERS
Avalanche Advisory----OREGON:
(503) 808-2400; WASHINGTON: (206) 526-6677
Mt. Adams Ranger
District: (509) 395-3400
Yakima County
Sheriff: (800)572-0490 (Search & Rescue)
Trout Lake EMTs & First Responders:
911 |