Washington Cascades - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 357

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Mt Adams
Adams is the state's forgotten peak, the second tallest of Washington's Cascades but a
mountain that has long been overshadowed by Rainier's height and St Helens' explosive
power. Nonetheless, Adams remains an impressive mountain; the lack of a major glacier
on its south side allows for a comparatively easy, nontechnical ascent for aspiring peak-
baggers. On its lower slopes Adams is renowned for the juicy huckleberries and pretty
wildflowers that fill its grassy alpine meadows during a short but intense summer season.
Protected in the 66-sq-mile Mt Adams Wilderness, Adams sports plenty of picturesque
hikes, including the much-loved Bird Creek Meadow Trail , a 3-mile loop that showcases
the best of the mountain's meadows, wildflowers and waterfalls.
While most climbs are nontechnical slogs up a glacier, even these require basic climb-
ing gear. The easiest approach (grade II) is from the south, via Cold Springs Camp-
ground, and up the South Spur to the summit. The climb is best between May and
August. Climbers should sign in and out at the USFS ranger station at either Trout Lake
or Randle. For guided hikes contact Seattle-based Mountain Madness ( Click here ) .
Sleeping
Trout Lake Country Inn HISTORIC HOTEL$
( 509-395-3667; www.troutlakecountryinn.net ; 15 Guler Rd, Trout Lake; r $50) It calls itself a
true honky tonk and that's exactly what this Wild West, bluegrass-band-playing, creaky-
wood-floor-stomping, roast-chicken-with-a-side-of-pataters inn and restaurant is. It's rare
to find this much fun and American character so far out in the woods - with a view of Mt
Adams, no less! Don't expect luxury, but do expect to dance, imbibe, then crash under a
homemade quilt.
Takhlakh Lake Campground CAMPGROUND$
( 509-395-3400; campsites $15) Fifty-four campsites with running water and pit toilets
are situated here, 25 miles north of Trout Lake on USFS Rd 23.
Trout Lake Cozy Cabins CABIN$$$
( 509-395-2068; www.troutlakecozycabins.com ; 2291 Hwy 141; cabins $89-129; ) A mile
south of Trout Lake on Hwy 141 are four beautifully presented cabins in the woods, in
the shadow of snow-sprinkled Mt Adams. Wonderfully landscaped and amply equipped