Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
2,300.00 ft (701.04 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
9.60 mi (15.45 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Far removed from the bustling summer crowds meandering up the Mount Adams South Route, High Camp offers remarkable views of Mount Adams's glaciated north side and expansive alpine meadows in every direction. Beginning at the popular (and often dusty) Killen Creek Trailhead #113, you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in a subalpine land of summer wildflowers. At around 2.5 miles you’ll cross East Fork Adams Creek and its lush meadows; this is also a good opportunity to fill up on water. Note that in later summer it may be increasingly difficult to source water, so it’s a good idea to bring plenty for your trip. The tree line will begin to thin as you reach the PCT, and a steeper climb begins across rocky terrain to High Camp at the edge of Adams Glacier.

Secluded backcountry camping opportunities are abundant even during busy weekends, and the area rarely feels crowded. In addition to the rugged glaciers at High Camp, there is a good chance you’ll see marmots, herds of mountain goats, and depending on the weather, unimpeded views of nearby Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and Goat Rocks. In early summer the snow levels may make it difficult to locate the trail, so it’s recommended that you hike with both compass and map. If you plan to hike above 7,000 feet you'll need to obtain a Cascade Volcanoes Pass.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Mount Adams views. Vast alpine meadows. Wildlife.

Cons

Rough road. Mosquitos. Horses. Dusty trail.

Trailhead Elevation

4,601.00 ft (1,402.38 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Big Game Watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Big Game Watching

Suitable for

Horseback

Location

Comments

07/03/2016
Excellent hike....came from Randle, WA and found that a section of the road washed out and is 4x4 only between Muddy Meadows and Killen Creek Trailhead. I managed to drive through it with my Mazda but would not do it again. It is better to come from the south (Trout Lake,WA etc). Still it was worth the rough roads...great hike even in the dark after taking star pictures.
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