The standard and most popular route on Mount Adams, the South Climb is a long but straightforward snow and scree climb requiring no technical glacier travel. The broad, gentle upper volcano makes navigation easy and the summit is accessible to fit beginners with basic snow skills.
From Cold Springs Trailhead (6,000 ft), follow South Climb Trail #183 through forest and into alpine terrain. The route crosses the Southwest Chutes — steep snow couloirs — and gains the false summit before continuing to the true summit (12,281 ft). The terrain is mostly snow and volcanic scree with no significant crevasse hazard.
Drive to Cold Springs Campground via the Takhlakh Lake Road (FR 8040) on the south side of the mountain. The trailhead is at 6,000 ft.
Descend the ascent route. The SW Chutes can be glissaded in good snow conditions. A Cascade Volcano Pass ($10/person) is required for the upper mountain.