Hiking

The most heavily used trail in the Mount Adams Wilderness [1] is South Climb, a 2.2-mile trail from Cold Springs Campground to timberline, from where climbers depart for routes to the summit. Those who prefer to stay low can follow the Around the Mountain Trail (No. 9) northwest for about six miles to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

The 21 miles of the PCT that pass through Mt. Adams Wilderness are accessible from Forest Service Road 23, near its intersection with Forest Service Road 8810, on the south; on the north, the PCT crosses Forest Service Road 5603 near Potato Hill. Subalpine meadows, glacial streams, dense forest, wildflowers, and scenic viewpoints reward the adventurous hiker.

Beginning at Morrison Creek Horse Camp on the south side of Mt. Adams, 2.7-mile Crofton Butte Trail (No. 73) follows the mountain’s lower slopes for scenic views of the butte. Take Forest Service Roads 80 and 8040 for about 10 miles from Trout Lake [2]. The southeastern portion of the wilderness lies within the Yakama Reservation (509/865-5121, ext. 657), and hikers will need a separate camping permit.