Mountaineering · YDS Class 2

South Climb (South Spur)

Distance RT
12.0 mi
Gain
6,699 ft
High Point
12,277 ft
Trailhead
Cold Springs Campground (South Climb Trailhead)
5,600 ft elevation
Permit Required

Mt. Adams Climbing Permit required for travel above 7,000 ft in the Mt. Adams Wilderness between May 1 and September 30; must be purchased online in advance (no longer sold at the ranger station). A free, self-issued Wilderness Permit and a Northwest Forest Pass for trailhead parking are required for travel below 7,000 ft.

Route Description

The easiest and by far most popular route on Mount Adams -- a non-technical, non-glaciated snow climb often used as an introductory mountaineering objective. Also called the South Spur, South Side, or South Rib. Popular as a corn-snow ski and glissade descent in late spring/early summer.

Approach

From Cold Springs Campground (South Climb Trailhead), follow South Climb Trail #183 through forest and up along Crescent Ridge to a large snowfield known as 'Lunch Counter' (~8,500 ft), a common camp for a two-day ascent.

Descent

Descend the climbing route. In season, many parties glissade the snow chutes below Piker's Peak/Suksdorf Ridge and the Southwest Chute rather than walking down; wait for softer afternoon snow before glissading or skiing.

Weather Forecast
7-Day Forecast
Today
❄️
Snow
31° / 22°
12%
0.1"
💨31
Tomorrow
❄️
Snow
23° / 6°
84%
25.2"
💨41
Sat, Sep 26
🌫️
Fog
27° / 4°
11%
💨31
Sun, Sep 27
☁️
Overcast
28° / 8°
1%
💨8
Mon, Sep 28
☁️
Overcast
20° / 6°
2%
💨9
Tue, Sep 29
🌧️
Drizzle
22° / 9°
29%
💧0.08"
💨10
Wed, Sep 30
🌫️
Fog
22° / 4°
21%
💨10
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