August 6, 2017 - 

Mt. Adams, Washington's second-highest peak (to Rainier's 14,411), known by some Native American tribes as Pahto or Klickitat, is a potentially active stratovolcano and can be circumnavigated via its Highline Trail/Round-the-Mountain route - with one enormous caveat: An inhospitable five-mile trailless section awaits on Adams' east side. It is a place where eons of perpetual bulldozing by the Mazama and Klickitat glaciers (and the likelihood of annual bridge washouts) defies, at least on a financial basis, the establishment of a permanent trail.

Begin by ascending the South Climb trail for a little over a mile and then turned right onto the Round the Mountain Trail, following this for 2.3 miles before entering the Yakama Indian Reservation, then continuing on the Round the Mountain trail for another 1.1 miles before turning left on the Flower trail. This trail leads up to the Viewpoint at 6500 feet at which point the trail ends. The bushwhacking begins at a beautiful viewpoint above Hellroaring Meadow (a little beyond lovely Bird Creek Meadows) on land belonging to the Yakama Indian Reservation. Use compass/GPS to navigate.

Keeping due North always in mind, traverse below a wall with four hanging waterfalls, curve around the basin without descending too far, then, once past some cliffs, march straight up steep, long, often brushy slopes, before reaching a new high point, a gorgeous ridgetop view known as the Ridge of Wonders. Then begin a steep descent down the Mound of China, a slope where no rock, regardless of size, can be trusted to be anchored and stable. Reach a small stream below imposing Battlement Ridge before facing the biggest challenge of the trip, crossing the notorious glacial gusher known as Big Muddy Creek. There may be multiple forks to cross. The warmer the weather the higher the creek. Search upstream to find the safest crossing, even if all the way to the snout of the Klickitat Glacier. Cross one more series of forks on Rusk Creek before climbing to reach the edge of Avalanche Valley; cross Avalanche Valley with 4 more streams before rejoining the trail at the camp/springs at 6700 feet just west of Goat Butte. (The five mile stretch of bushwhacking may take five hours to complete.)

From the camp the trail ascends to the highest point of the circumnavigation at Devil's Garden, 7700 feet. At this point, exit the reservation and begin an enjoyable running section which descends almost 2000 feet on soft trail with stunning views of Mt Adams on the left and Mt Rainier to the right. Another 2 miles and we joined the Pacific Crest Trail heading south for most of the western side of the mountain.and regaining established trail heading west by northwest around Mt. Adams. The PCT on the western side is relatively flat and very runnable unless there is a lot of snow on the trail. If there is snow here, be alert to navigational challenges due to braided trails. Watch footprints carefully .

After turning east off the PCT back onto the Round the Mountain Trail it should be a straight shot back to the start. Springs with fresh water should be abundant. Plan for an all-day affair, but take a light just in case.