The North Ridge (Cleaver) Route is probably the third most popular route on Mt. Adams.  It is suitable for novice climbers and requires some 3rd to 4th class rock scrambling and snow travel across the summit dome.  It is a three day trip.  Climb 12 miles round trip with 7,700' elevation gain.
Rates:  1 person: $850, 2 persons: $600 each, 3 persons: $550 each, 4 -10 persons: $500 each.  Includes guide(s), transportation, climb permits, climbing equipment, meals, tents.

SCHEDULED  TRIP: Let us know when you would like to go.

THE SCHEDULE:
Pick up about 6:00 AM in Portland.  We’ll drive to Trout Lake Ranger Station and register, then take Hwy 23 around the west side of Adams to Killen Creek Trailhead (4,584’).  We'll hike up 3 miles where we intersect the Pacific Crest Trail.  We’ll then continue on Trail 10 for about 1 mile to our high camp at 6,840’.  Wake-up will be at 5 AM the next morning with departure around 6 AM.  We should summit about 2 PM and return to camp by 6 PM.  The next morning we’ll sleep in, have breakfast, pack-up and head down to our vehicle.  We should return to Portland by early afternoon.  

THE HIKE:
We will hike up into open pine forest and at about 2.5 miles, walk through open meadows thick with beautiful wildflowers.  Once we cross the Pacific Crest Trail we enter into high alpine country with spectacular views of Mt Adams and the Cascade Range to the north.

THE CLIMB:
This is a mixed media climb.  We start out on snow and then rock as we work our way up the ridge and make sure we stay on the correct side of the gendarmes.  Adams Glacier will be on our right as we ascend.  At about 11,500’ we’ll reach the snow dome for a mile traverse across the large summit area  to the 12,276’ summit.  We will move at comfortable steady pace, typically about 1,000’ elevation gain an hour, and take a break every hour.  This is long climb.  We will be very intentional about making sure we eat and drink enough to keep our engines running well.  Being in good condition to enjoy the climb is clearly a plus!

EQUIPMENT LIST

CLOTHING for possible rain, snow, hot sunny days and cool nights:

Sturdy climbing boots with lug soles (need to be able to hold crampons); gaiters; Wool or polypropylene socks with liners; Thermal underwear (wool, polypropylene, or equivalent); Warm sweater, fleece jacket, or wool shirt; Short-sleeve shirt; Shorts; Warm pants (Not jeans!); Gore-Tex (or other water-resistant material) Parka; Wind pants; Mittens or gloves; Sun hat; Balaclava or stocking cap and scarf/neck gaiter; clothes to change into at the car are nice

IN SUMMIT PACK
Ten Essentials:
Whistle; Map of area: (I have the USFS Mount Adams Wilderness, 1988 and Mt. Adams East & West, USGS, 1970); Compass; Headlamp/Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb or another flashlight); Extra food and Clothing (wool socks, more warm things); Sunscreen and lip protection; Pocket knife; Lighter or matches in waterproof container and firestarter; First aid kit (Absolutely no drugs or medicines that will make you drowsy or dizzy.)

OTHER
Climbing helmet*;  crampons*; liquids (at least two+ qts.); Handkerchief; Toilet paper; Small insulation pad for sitting on (attach it to your pack); Sunglasses/goggles; insect repellent; camera and film; trekking poles*.  Camp shoes, Crazy Creek style camp chair, and a book will be appreciated.

CAMPING GEAR
Sleeping bag and pad and eating utensils - cup, bowl, and spoon.  We recommendation a plastic quart-sized measuring cup with a handle, an insulated 12 oz. plastic cup (available from REI), and a plastic/lexsan spoon.

You will need a backpack large enough to carry your personal gear plus your share of group gear to camp.  Porter Support is available!.

OPA will provide: permits, guide (at least two if more than two clients), transportation, food, trekking poles, crampons, ice ax, helmet, tent(s) with ground cloth; stove, fuel and pots, and water filter.

We can arrange to rent any equipment to you that you may require.

For Equipment Recommendations click here.