Mt. Adams Climbing Conditions Report

South Climb Route Update: 5/22/25

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Climbing Passes

From May 1 until September 30, passes are required. A climbing permit is required if traveling above 7000’. A wilderness permit is required instead if only traveling 7000’.

A pass must be always carried on your person AND be placed in the windshield of your vehicle. Print two copies or have one downloaded on your phone and one printed in your vehicle.

Passes to climb Mt. Adams are available online at www.recreation.gov/activitypass/mt- adams-climb. There is limited cell phone coverage in the Trout Lake area. Please plan ahead and purchase/print your passes ahead of arrival.

Free, self-issued, wilderness permits are available at the South Climb Trailhead.

Human Waste Carry-Out Bags:

Visitors climbing Mt. Adams must pack out their human waste.  Decomposition processes above 7000’ elevation happen too slowly to keep up with what is being deposited in the ecosystem, so it is important that visitors follow this regulation to avoid the accumulation of human feces in the climbing area. We currently provide human waste carry-out bags (scat packs) free of charge in front of the Mt. Adams Ranger District office. Please pack out your own bags, there are no collection services available.

South Climb Trailhead Access:

As of May 22nd, 2025, snow on the road is still blocking access to the South Climb Trailhead. Currently, you can drive within a mile of the South Climb Trailhead and can foresee finding reliable parking about 3 miles from the South Climb Trailhead at or near Morrison Creek Campground. See road conditions for updates.

Conditions:

Weather

• NW Avalanche Report
• Washington Mountain Weather Forecast for Mt Adams:
• NOAA point forecast (Elev. 9829)
• NOAA interactive snow map

Climbers should be aware that forecasts for the surrounding areas do not necessarily reflect mountain weather. Please reference a point forecast from NOAA or the National Weather Service for more specific information on weather conditions.

Mountain weather is always subject to change, be sure to check forecasts prior to departure, but plan accordingly for changing conditions. 

Snowpack

As of May 22nd, 2025, Mountain conditions are changing rapidly due to new precipitation falling as rain or snow depending on elevation. The accumulation of new snow on a consolidated snowpack can result in increased avalanche activity depending on slope and amount of accumulation. Snow drift can result in variable snow depths depending on the aspect and local topography. Expect snow to vary throughout your climb, changing from soft to boilerplate or even ice as you work your way up the mountain. 

Route Finding

The most straight forward route is currently the South Climb summer route (Crescent Ridge).  Snow is starting near 7500 ft or around Crescent Ridge. As of July 29th, coverage on the summer route is sufficient to ski from the summit to crescent ridge, however snow is melting out every day at lower elevations and this may change quickly.  Please remember that visibility will be limited as storms move in, especially at higher elevations, and tracks can be hard to see after fresh snow or melting events.

Glissading

Glissade with caution! Unmarked obstacles may be found in glissading chutes. Make sure chutes are clear of people below you and be aware of your speed. Remove crampons to avoid potential serious injury.

Road Conditions

The road to the South Climb Trailhead requires good clearance and All Wheel Drive year-round. Four Wheel Drive is recommended. Vehicles are currently able to make it to within 1 mile of the South Climb Trailhead; however, there is no parking on the road past Morrison Creek Campground. As snow melts, sections of road will become more accessible for vehicles; however, trailhead parking most likely will not be possible till sometime late May or early June at this point. When parking please be sure not to block or partially block other vehicles, the roadway, turnarounds, or trailhead parking area loops. Blocking traffic will prevent an ambulance and other emergency vehicles from accessing the trailhead in the event of an emergency. Park farther down the road, if necessary, in a pull-off well off the road surface.

Water

As of May 22nd, 2025 creeks are snow covered. Climbers should plan to bring an appropriate amount of water and/or plan on melting snow.