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Mount Adams, 2-day South Side summit and course

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Join the certified mountain guides of Alpine Ascents International for this 2 day summit of Mt. Adams. Along the way, learn key mountaineering skills!

Group

Cascade Range

2 Days

Jul

High

Beginner


Highlights

  • Summit Washington State's second highest mountain at 12,276 ft
  • Great training climb before a summit of Mt. Rainier
  • Expert instruction in mountaineering techniques including ice axe and crampons

Description

Enjoy the beautiful view from the second highest point in Washington State during this 2 day climbing program. Along the way, we will practice key mountaineering skills such as use of crampons and ice axes.

At 3,742 m/12,276 ft, the summit of Mt. Adams is the second highest point in Washington State. A dormant volcano that lies within the Cascade Mountains, those who reach the summit enjoy a panoramic view that extends across some of the Pacific Northwest's most noteworthy mountains: Mt. St. Helens,  Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Hood.  We will follow the South Side route, where there are no visible crevasses in the snowy and icy terrain.

Departing 7:30 AM from the White Salmon Inn, we will drive to the trailhead and ascend to our high camp at a beautiful site at 9,250 ft nicknamed "Lunch Counter." We will carry all gear up to high camp ourselves, so you can expect to carry a pack of about 55 lbs. At our high camp, we will have a chance to review important glacier mountaineering skills, such as self arrest with an ice axe and walking with crampons. Early the next morning we make the snow and ice covered ascent to the summit, returning back to the trailhead later that afternoon.

No previous mountaineering experience is required  to participate – this program is suitable for any adventurous beginner with a strong level of physical fitness.  In fact, this is a great program for beginning mountaineers who want to build the skills and techniques they need to climb the more challenging Mt. Rainier.  It is recommended that participants have prior experience camping and backpacking.

Book now for a fun and rewarding 2 day program exploring 2nd highest mountain in Washington State!

Check out a few of our other exciting programs: 4-day Climb on the Forbidden Peak West Ridge, Washington, 3-day Ascent of Mount Baker (3286m) with glacier training, or Kilimanjaro, 12-day trip with ascent via the Machame Route!

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Approach to high camp

We meet at 7:30 AM at the White Salmon Inn. From there, we drive to the trailhead at Cold Springs.

Beginning from an altitude of 5,600 ft, the approach will then take us 5 hours of moderately strenuous hiking. We will ascend all the way to our high camp at Lunch Counter (9,250 ft).

Along the way, we will review key mountaineering skills such as how to use an ice axe, self arrest techniques, and walking with crampons.

Day 2: Summit Day

After an early breakfast, we ascend Mt. Adams (3,742 m/12,276 ft), expecting to reach the summit at dawn, after 4-6 hours’ climb. The panoramic view will extend from Mt. Rainier, to Mt. Hood, to Mt. St. Helens.

From the summit, we descend back to high camp, pack up, and head back to our cars at the trailhead. You can either head back to Seattle or spend the night at Trout Lake.

 

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