Timing for Adams Glacier

[vsigler]

I am planning a trip to Washington/Oregon for late June 2012 and would like to climb both Mt. Adams (via Adams Glacier) and Mt. Hood within the same week. I know that nobody can predict winter and spring snowfall and summer temps, but in general, is the Adams Glacier a viable route during that time of year with regard to (i) accessibility of the trailhead (likely Killen Creek), and (ii) the condition of the route up the glacier? I've also seen reports describing another trailhead that's a little farther down the road from Killen Creek and is thought to be a little higher and "closer" to High Camp. Can anyone elaborate on that? Thanks in advance.

[DPS]

Late June should be fine for Adam's Glacier, both for accessibility and route condition. It may be late for Hood. I've only ever approached via Killen Creek, which is a pretty easy approach anyway.

[KaskadskyjKozak]

With the La Nina predicted you *may* have some extra miles to walk / not be able to get all the way to the TH by car into late June and possibly July.

Edited January 3, 2012 by KaskadskyjKozak

[jordansahls]

Well, If this year is anything like last year you wont be able to drive to the Killen creek trailhead until some time in July. Really, it's hard to say. You could be good, or you could be out of luck. Time will tell.

[caverpilot]

If we keep this dry spell up, the glacier will be gone by June! (sarcasm) If the forecast holds up, we will be hoofing it up to the trailheads until late July! What a crazy year - this was the driest December ever on record. It looks like a typical early November out there. ugk!

[pauls]

The other trail that you mention is probably the High Divide trail. It is a more direct approach to the Adams glacier and the start of the climb. You would bypass High Camp. Head up Adams Creek from the jct with the PCT.

 

If you take the Killen Creek to High Camp approach, you'll need to traverse west onto the lower Adams glacier and over to the right side to the start of the climb. Since most climbers descend the North Cleaver, setting up a base at High Camp or above is preferred.

 

Usually the 2329 road is not clear of snow until early July. In early season, its best to approach the Killen Cr TH from the Randle side (23 road) because the road holds late snow between Takhlakh Lake and High Divide TH. The Forest Service office in Randle will have the best information on road conditions.

[shannonpahl]

You can tell when the trailhead is snow free by looking at the Potato Hill weather station data:

 

http://raws.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/roman/meso_base.cgi?stn=PTHW1

 

When the snow depth reaches zero, go!. Thats also about the best time for the glacier. Later on in the season, it can get quite broken up. I've also got some more beta here

 

http://sites.google.com/site/shannonpahl/trip-planning/adamsglacier-1

 

[vsigler]

Thanks, everybody. Great information.