Mt. Adams Climbing Activity Pass Pass

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

At an elevation of 12,276 feet, Mt. Adams is the second highest peak in Washington; however, with an 18-mile wide diameter it is the largest volcano by bulk in the state. It supports over 10 active glaciers that provide water to the forests, streams, and meadows below. These glaciers, along with adjoining ridges and permanent snow fields, sport many climbing routes of varying difficulty to the summit. All require proficiency in alpine mountaineering, route-finding, and use of ice axe and crampons. Some require more advanced skills in navigating crevasses, bergschrunds, ice falls, rock headwalls, and other complex terrain. All involve a significant degree of inherent danger and risk. Be prepared and know your limits.

Weather on Mt. Adams can change rapidly. Sudden snowstorms can occur above 6,000 feet elevation at any month of the year, severely limiting visibility and increasing risk of hypothermia. The difficulty of a route can change drastically during these storms. Your safety requires preparation and good judgment. Monitor conditions and weather forecasts by the National Weather Service and any special postings by the NW Weather and Avalanche Center .

Purchase of a Mt. Adams Climbing Activity Pass is required if you are climbing above 7,000 feet elevation in Mt. Adams Wilderness between May 1 and September 30. If parked in South Climb Trailhead and NOT climbing above 7,000 feet, a day pass is required.

$20 per person 16 years of age and older for a Climbing Pass valid for a single climbing trip.

Free to people under 16 years of age.

The party leader must enter the names for each person in the climbing party 16 years of age and over.

A license plate must be entered for each vehicle that will be at the trailhead.

Visitors climbing Mt. Adams must pack out their human waste in human waste carry-out bags. 

Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced. You will find more information about printed pass requirements on the bottom half of your pass once it is emailed to you. Wilderness Regulations apply. Important Mt. Adams Climbing Information.

Search and Rescue operations are limited. Please make conservative choices, carry emergency gear, and plan for a self-rescue. Keep at least one cell phone per group fully charged so that communication may be maintained in the event of a search and/or rescue. If an incident occurs and self-rescue is not feasible, call 911.