Approaching Mt. Adams Summit, August 2006.
Photo by Matt Bedrin

The South Spur Route is the most popular route on Mt. Adams.  It is suitable for novice climbers and does not require roped travel, although ice axes and crampons are required.  This is an overnight trip.  Hike and climb 14 miles/23 km round trip with 6,700'/2,043m elevation gain.  Departures Monday through Wednesday only under the conditions of our special use permit.

Rates:  1 person: $750, 2 persons: $550 each, 3-6 persons: $500 each.  Includes guide(s), transportation, climb permits, climbing equipment, meals, tents.

 

Scheduled Climbs:
June 23-24, 2010 (0 Signed-up/ 6 spots available)
July 14-16, 2010 (0 Signed-up/ 6 spots available)

If you have a specific date you want to go, please give us a call at 877 965-5100 or send us an e-mail.

 The following climb has an orientation sessions available:

Lake Oswego Parks And Recreation:

Price - $453 (Lake Oswego Resident)/$521 ( Non-Resident) (Includes the climb)
Climb Orientation (#3361855) - 6:30-9 PM, June 16, 2010. Climb - June 23-25, 2010. Call 503 675-2549 to register.

ORIENTATION LOCATION: 
Lake Oswego Parks And Recreation West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego, OR 97035

 

We can arrange a trip at your convenience given availability of guides.  Departures Monday through Wednesday only under the conditions of our special use permit.  Sign-up using our secure form, give us a call at (877) 965-5100 or send an e-mail.

THE APPROACH: 
The trailhead is about 100 miles/167 km from Portland and takes about three hours of driving time.  We'll register at the Mt. Adams Ranger Station in Trout Lake and drive on to Cold Springs Campground (5,500'/1,677m). 

After we sort out the gear and load up, we hike up an old roadway which enters a basin and emerges as a trail on the left skyline ridge. At 1.2 mi./2 km we cross the Round the Mountain Trail at 6,200'/1,890m.  Our route up to Suksdorf Ridge depends on the snow conditions.   The main spur is called Suksdorf Ridge, for pioneer botanist Wilhelm N. Suksdorf who began his local visits and studies in 1877. At about 9,000'/2,744m we reach a broad shoulder know as the Lunch Counter.

We camp here.  After setting-up camp, we'll practice glissading and self-arrest technique using the ice axe.   Following a great dinner, we'll have a climb meeting and ensure all of our gear is ready for the climb.  Wake-up will be at 5:00 AM.  After breakfast, departure will be around 6:00 AM. 

Lunch Counter Camp       Photo by Ed Gilman

THE CLIMB:
This climb is a long hike in the snow.  We will move at comfortable, steady pace.  The route steepens at about 9,700'/2,957m as we trudge to the 11,657'/3,554m South (False) Summit.  We cross a relatively level area and then make the final grunt up to the 12,276'/3,743m Summit. We should summit about Noon.  After the traditional summit celebration, we return to the crest of the South Summit and typically are able to glissade most of the way back to camp by 3 PM.  Once we get back to camp, we'll have a snack and relax until dinner.  The next morning, after a great breakfast, we break camp and head back to our vehicle.  We should reach the trailhead by Noon.  We usually stop for food in Trout Lake (Huckleberry milkshakes - Mmmm) or Husum and get back to Portland by early afternoon.

TWO-DAY CLIMB:
The two-day climb is the same as the three-day, except we break camp and descend on summit day.  We have determined that staying another night provides a much better experience and isn't so hard on your body.  If time is of the essence, we can do the two day climb for you.

Rates:  1 person: $600, 2 persons: $500 each, 3-6 persons: $450 each.  Includes guide(s), transportation, climb permits, climbing equipment, meals, tents.

ONE-DAY CLIMB:
The one-day climb starts at the Cold Springs Trailhead at 4 AM and follows the route to the Lunch Counter, then to the summit and return. It's a long day and is for the strong and well-conditioned. The trade-off is that you're not hauling a big pack up to the Lunch Counter and it's just one day. We will drive up to Cold Springs Campground the afternoon before, have dinner, and spend the night. We will get-up very early, have breakfast, and begin the climb.  This allows us to have a good night's sleep and get an early, relaxed start.

Rates:  1 person: $600, 2 persons: $500 each, 3-6 persons: $450 each.  Includes guide(s), transportation, climb permits, climbing equipment, meals, tents.

SCHEDULED CLIMB: Sign-up online or call 877 965-5100

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Backpack*- You need to carry personal and your share of group gear (5,000 cubic inches +)

Clothing

In Your Summit Pack - (Needs to have Ice Ax Loops)

Climbing Gear

Camping Gear

*OPA will provide this equipment as appropriate, if you do not have your own, as well as tents, kitchen and food.  Your guides will prepare your meals.   We can rent packs and other gear to you.

For Equipment Recommendations click here.

 Porter Support is available!