The towering silhouette of Mt. Adams had long captured my imagination, its snow-capped peak a constant siren call to adventure. This past summer, I finally had the chance to answer that call, getting together with my usual partners in crime – my mountain family, on an expedition to the summit of this iconic Cascade volcano. What unfolded over the course of our three-day journey was a test of both physical and mental fortitude, a triumph over the elements, and a deepening of the bonds that tie us together.
This is the story of our ascent up the steep, winding slopes of Mt. Adams – the laughs we shared, the challenges we overcame, and the sense of awe and accomplishment that came with standing atop one of the most majestic mountains in the Pacific Northwest. If you’ve ever dreamed of tackling a major peak, let this experience be some inspiration to lace up your boots and follow your own path to the summit”
Mount Adams, known by some Native American tribes as Pahto or Klickitat,[4] is an active stratovolcano in the Cascade Range.[5] Although Adams has not erupted in more than 1,000 years, it is not considered extinct. It is the second-highest mountain in Washington, after Mount Rainier.[6]
Adams, named for President John Adams, is a member of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, and is one of the arc’s largest volcanoes,[7] located in a remote wilderness approximately 34 miles (55 km) east of Mount St. Helens.[8] The Mount Adams Wilderness consists of the upper and western part of the volcano’s cone. The eastern side of the mountain is designated as part of the territory of the Yakama Nation.[9][10]
Adams’ asymmetrical and broad body rises 1.5 miles (2.4 km) above the Cascade crest. Its nearly flat summit was formed as a result of cone-building eruptions from separated vents. The Pacific Crest Trail traverses the western flank of the mountain.[11][12]
At over 12,000 feet, it’s the second-highest volcano in the Cascade Range, a rugged and remote mountain that demands respect from those who attempt to reach its summit. This past July, I finally had the chance to answer the mountain’s call, joining a group of close friends on a three-day expedition to the top.
Our journey began at the Killen Creek trailhead, located just off Forest Road 23 on the mountain’s northern side. The trail starts in lush, old-growth forest, winding through a carpet of ferns and wildflowers before gradually transitioning to rocky, exposed terrain. As we climbed higher, the trees gave way to sweeping views of the Cascade crest – glimpses of Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and the countless other volcanic peaks that dot the horizon.
The trail grew steeper and more arduous as we approached the Lunch Counter, a high alpine camp at around 10,000 feet. By this point, the air had grown thin, and with each step our pace slowed, our breathing more labored. But the views from Lunch Counter made every ounce of effort worthwhile. Sprawled out before us was a vast, undulating sea of glaciers and snowfields, the mountain’s imposing bulk rising dramatically into the sky.
Here, we switched snowshoes to crampons, as the final push to the summit would require navigating treacherous, icy terrain. Progress was slow and arduous, but the sense of camaraderie and accomplishment kept us going. We kicked steps into the frozen slopes, traversed crevasse-riddled glaciers, and scrambled up rocky chutes, all while drinking in the awe-inspiring scenery that surrounded us.
Finally, after nearly 9 hours of continuous climbing, we stood atop the mountain’s crater rim, the entire Cascade Range laid out before us in a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. To the north, the jagged spires of Mount Rainier pierced the sky. To the east, the barren, volcanic landscape of the high Cascades stretched out as far as the eye could see. And to the south and west, the forested, glacier-clad slopes of Mount Adams tumbled down towards the horizon.
It was a humbling, transcendent moment – to have conquered such a formidable peak through nothing but our own determination and teamwork. As we reveled in our success and snapped photos to commemorate the occasion, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude, not just for reaching the summit, but for the opportunity to experience this wild, magnificent place with the people I care about most.
Climbing Mount Adams was no easy feat, but the sense of achievement, the camaraderie forged along the way, and the sheer, awe-inspiring beauty of the mountain made every step worth it. If you’re looking for an unforgettable alpine adventure, I can think of no better place to find it than on the slopes of this mighty Cascade volcano.