Length: 8.2 Miles round trip
Elevation Change: 2300' Elevation gain
Season: Mid-Summer thru Fall
Difficulty: Challenging
Permit: NW Forest Pass Required
Features:
This hike begins off Forest Road #2329.
There is a large parking area and this
hike is very popular for hikers and
horseback riders.... and mosquitos.
The name of this hike is a bit
misleading. The trail follows a
ridge line almost the entire distance.
Having said that, the trail begins
climbing right out of the parking area.
The trail climbs so steeply in places
that steps have been put in place to
decrease the erosion. One of the main
reasons that this hike is so popular are
the tremendous wildflower displays.
The trail climbs steeply for the first
two miles, and is mostly in dense forest.
Eventually, you break out into meadowed
areas with vast wildflower displays.
There are a number of small streams to
cross as you continue toward Mt Adams.
As soon as you enter these more open
areas you are treated to fantastic views
of Mt Adams right in front of you and
Mt Rainier in the distance to the north
which is directly behind you.
At about 3 miles you come to the junction
of Pacific Crest Trail #2000. To continue
on to the High Divide Camp, bear right for
a hundred feet or so and you will see the
less used trail heading directly toward
Mt Adams.
This part of the trail becomes much
steeper and harder to follow, depending
on the season you are there. It is
about another mile of steep rocky
climbing to the place called High Camp.
This extra part of the hike is so
worth the effort. You will find
yourself on the very flank of Mt Adams,
surrounded by more beauty than the
eye can behold.
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