Wilderness: Mt. Adams

Mt. Adams Wilderness envelops an ecologically complex landscape along the west slope of Mt. Adams and its summit. The 47,122 acres that comprise the wilderness area are a blend of dry east-side and moist west-side ecosystems, allowing diverse types of vegetation and wildlife to flourish. Several areas along the flanks of Mt. Adams have burned in wildfires over the last several decades, providing sharp contrast with the lush, unburned forests nearby and a glimpse at how landscapes regenerate after fire. Volcanic activity on Mt. Adams spans many geologic eras, with the most recent activity occurring just 3,500 years ago. Multiple trails provide access to spectacular views of Mt. Adams, including its glaciers, mountain streams, meadows, open alpine forests and lava flows.

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. Its glaciers, along with adjoining ridges and permanent snow fields, sport many climbing routes of varying difficulty to the summit. All involve a significant degree of inherent danger and risk. Review the Mt. Adams Summit page for information about climbing Mt. Adams. A Mt. Adams Climbing Pass is required from May 1st to September 30th for anyone age 16 and older traveling above 7000 ft elevation on Mt. Adams, even if not attempting the summit.

The remoteness and wilderness character of Mt. Adams led to its designation as a wild area under the Forest Service U2 regulations in 1942 and ultimately to its inclusion in the Wilderness Act of 1964. This designation includes the summit of Mt. Adams, and thus Wilderness Regulations apply for those seeking adventure on its higher ridges and summit as well as those enjoying the meadows, forest, and lakes below.

Only the western half of Mt. Adams lies within the Mt. Adams Wilderness, managed by the US Forest Service. The eastern half of Mt. Adams lies within the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation and is managed by the tribe. The portion of the mountain on Yakama Nation lands is largely closed to recreation. Contact the Yakama Nation for information regarding areas open to recreation.

Mobile Friendly Map via Avenza: Mount Adams Wilderness Map (Learn more about how Avenza works.)

Trailheads/Trails that access Mount Adams Wilderness

Trailhead: Crofton Ridge East - access to Trail #73 Crofton Butte.
Trailhead: Crofton Ridge West - access to Trail #73 Crofton Butte.
Trailhead: Divide Camp - access to Trail #112 Divide Camp.
Trailhead: Killen Creek - access to Trail #113 Killen Creek.
Trailhead: Muddy Meadows - access to Trail #13 Muddy Meadows.
Trailhead: Potato Hill - access to Trail #2000 Pacific Crest National Scenic, north of Mount Adams.
Trailhead: Salt Creek - access to Trail #75 Salt Creek
Trailhead: Snipes Mountain - access to Trail #11 Snipes Mountain
Trailhead: South Climb - access to Trail #183 South Climb.
Trailhead: Stagman Ridge - access to Trail #12 Stagman Ridge.
Trailhead: Williams Mine - access to Trail #2000 Pacific Crest National Scenic southwest of Mount Adams.

Current Conditions

For information contact Mount Adams Ranger District (509) 395-3402 or for fire information contact 509-213-5684.

General Information

Topo Maps

Mount Adams West, Green Mountain, Glaciate Butte, Mount Adams East, Trout Lake. Download free U.S. Forest Service Topo maps.

Find maps online

Go to the maps page to download or order maps. You can also purchase the maps in person at Gifford Pinchot National Forest offices.

Wilderness.net

Go to Wilderness.net for online maps and other important Wilderness information.

Wilderness permits are required for entry into all Gifford Pinchot National Forest Wilderness areas. The self-issuing permits are free and are available at trailheads leading into these Wildernesses, and at Forest Service Ranger Stations.
A permit is required to enter the Yakama Indian Reservation on the east side of Mt. Adams. These are available for a small fee in the area of Bird Creek Meadows.
Some trailheads require a valid Recreation Pass. (A valid Mt. Adams Climbing Pass parking stub may be used at trailheads requiring a pass within Mt. Adams Wilderness between May 1 and Sept. 30.)
Purchase of a Mt. Adams Climbing Pass is required if you are climbing above 7,000 feet elevation in Mt. Adams Wilderness, between May 1 and September 30. (For Wilderness travel at low elevation or during the off-season, Wilderness Permits are required.)

Wilderness Regulations apply. Group size limited to 12. Campfires are prohibited at certain areas on Mt. Adams. See regulations listed below and in link above.

Mt. Adams Wilderness-Specific Regulations:

Campfire Restrictions:

Due to the sensitivity of the ecosystem in the higher reaches of Mt. Adams

Building, maintaining, or using a campfire, within Mt. Adams Wilderness is prohibited:

Above the Round-The-Mountain Trail #9 from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Boundary west to Pacific Crest Trail #2000
Above Pacific Crest Trail #2000 north to the intersection of Highline Trail #114
Above trail #114 north and east to the Gifford Pinchot Forest Boundary. (36 CFR 261.52(a))

View map of campfire restriction area.