Compare
Mt. St. Helens climbing permit
Both are first-come climbing permits on a Cascade volcano, one in the St. Helens monument and one in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
First-Come, First-ServedMountaineeringModerate Demand
Mount Adams Climbing Pass Permit
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Required above 7,000 feet from May 1 - September 30. A popular training climb for first-time mountaineers.
How to get Mt. Adams
The Mt. Adams Climbing Pass is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass, not a dated reservation. It is not limited, so it cannot sell out for a given day and there is nothing for us to watch. Buy it before you drive up — there is very little phone signal around Trout Lake, so print it or download it first. Below 7,000 feet, and outside May to September, you self-issue a free wilderness permit at the trailhead instead.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get Mt. Adams
The Mt. Adams Climbing Pass is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass, not a dated reservation. It is not limited, so it cannot sell out for a given day and there is nothing for us to watch. Buy it before you drive up — there is very little phone signal around Trout Lake, so print it or download it first. Below 7,000 feet, and outside May to September, you self-issue a free wilderness permit at the trailhead instead.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
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Mt. Adams Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodFirst-Come, First-Served
Demand LevelModerate5/10
Cost$20 per person
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeMountaineering
Booking MethodFirst-Come, First-Served
Demand Level5/10
LocationWA
Pro Tips
- •Start early for frozen snow conditions
- •Bring plenty of water - it's a long slog
- •Purchase permit online before your climb
What to Expect
Highlights
- •Long day of snow climbing
- •Non-technical but physically demanding
- •6,500 feet of elevation gain
🏔️
Summit Information
Mt. Adams
12,281
Summit (ft)
Climbing RoutesClick for details
Technical Gear Required
CramponsIce axeTrekking poles
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Tomorrow: 77% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
🌧️
62°
49°
55%
Sun
🌧️
50°
45°
77%
Mon
☁️
64°
44°
Tue
☁️
69°
43°
Wed
☀️
74°
49°
Thu
☀️
79°
53°
Fri
☀️
85°
56°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Learn More
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Navigation4/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Fit hikers with mountain experience ready to step into mountaineering.
Recommended Experience
Glacier travel training required. Must be competent with crampons, ice axe, and rope work.
About This Permit
The South Climb route is non-technical but demanding - essentially a long snow slog gaining 6,500 feet. Ideal for first-time mountaineers. Note: Only the western half is open to recreation; the eastern half is Yakama Nation land and closed.
Rules & Regulations
- •Climbing pass required above 7,000 feet May-Sept
- •Human waste must be packed out
- •Eastern half is closed (Yakama Nation)
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Mt. Adams
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
Browse all guidesSome links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Key Landmarks
Trailhead
Starting point for South Climb. Elevation: 5,781 ft.
Lunch Counter
Common turnaround for day climbers
Summit
Summit of Mt. Adams at 12,281 ft.
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Mt. Adams.
🐻
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
🏔️Mountaineering Resources
Guide Services
Find authorized guide services and mountaineering schools for this peak.
Authorized guide services:
- • Check with ranger station for current list
- • Verify NPS/USFS authorization
Gear Rentals
Don't own technical gear? Find rental shops near the trailhead.
Required gear you can rent:
CramponsIce axeTrekking poles
Route Conditions
Real-time route status, snow levels, and climbing conditions.
Current conditions include:
- • Route status (open/closed/caution)
- • Snow level elevation
- • Crevasse and glacier conditions
- • Recent trip reports
Avalanche Forecast
Check avalanche conditions before winter and spring climbs.
Avalanche info includes:
- • Current danger level
- • Avalanche problems (wind slab, persistent slab)
- • Travel advice
- • Links to regional avalanche centers
Mt. Adams FAQ
How do I get a Mt. Adams permit?
Mt. Adams is not sold online. The Mt. Adams Climbing Pass is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass, not a dated reservation. It is not limited, so it cannot sell out for a given day and there is nothing for us to watch. Buy it before you drive up — there is very little phone signal around Trout Lake, so print it or download it first. Below 7,000 feet, and outside May to September, you self-issue a free wilderness permit at the trailhead instead. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Mt. Adams?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Mt. Adams permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Mt. Adams permit?
On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
Write Report🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Mt. Adams trip
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