Wednesday, December  11, 2024
Return to alavigne.net home
Mar. 25, 2005 (Fri.)
Elevation: 3520 feet; Order of Height: 87
Participants: Andrew Lavigne, Jennifer Innes
Click to Enlarge

Jenn and I wanted to get one last training hike in before an upcoming Grand Canyon backpack. We wanted something short, since we needed to be back for a pre-arranged dinner later that evening. I wanted to do something different (i.e. something I hadn't hiked before) as well. So, let's see, what's short, potentially interesting, and something I haven't done before? Well, the Mt. Adams and its firetower came to mind. It is a short little hike (about 3.5 km one way), fairly steep (1700 to 3550 feet), and has what is reputed to be an excellent view from the old fire tower on top.

The weather forecast was for it to partially clear by mid-morning. Unfortunately, it looked solidly cloudy with a few flurries as we started off - not too hopeful for a good view. The hike started off mostly on the flat, quickly crossing the brook-like Hudson river, then an arm of Lake Jimmy, then past an old mining ruin. A side spur trail to mt. Adams is reached shortly after the ruin. The weather continued gray, breezy, and a little snowy.

The spur trail starts of moderately, then becomes quite steep as it climbs about 1500 or so feet in less than 1.5 km. We reach the top well before 11 am. The tower stands silently and sturdily against the blustery spring day. We carefully climb the tower, which has many little repairs done on it, I notice. At the top it is much windier. Although still quite scenic, I know that there is a super-spectacular view being hidden by these clouds. We wait around, hoping for the predicted clearing of the skies to come while we are up here. But nope, doesn't happen!

No sooner than we are partway down does the weather clear up almost completely and it becomes wonderful and sunny. AAAAH! frustrating. I can just imagine the awesome view of snow-dusted peaks back up at the tower. Oh well, dinner at home awaits, and we must be off. Definitely have to come back and see what the view is like from this unique southwestern vantage point. A good little intro hike, to be sure!

Trip Reports, Image Galleries or Other References:
 Image Gallery: Mt Adams 2005 Climb


Send feedback or leave comments (note: comments in message board below are separate from those in above message board)
(358 messages)
(last message posted on Tue. Aug. 02, 08:32 EDT 2016 by Scott)
Web Page & Design Copyright 2001-2024 by Andrew Lavigne. (Privacy Policy)