Know More About Mount Adams

Towering above Washington at an elevation of 12,281 feet, Mount Adams is the second highest mountain in the state, right after Mount Rainier. Named for President John Adams, the mountain is a potentially active stratovolcano located in the Cascade Range. Mount Adams is not considered extinct even though it has not erupted in over 1,000 years. A member of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, Mount Adams is one the arc’s largest volcanoes, located about 34 miles east of Mount St. Helens. Recognizable by its flat summit, this formed as a result of cone-building eruptions from separated vents. 

Mount Adams holds a special significance to the Native American tribes of the region. Known to the tribes as Pahto or Klickitat, their legends seek to explain Mount Adams’ flat summit. The Yakama Nation territory includes the eastern side of the mountain, which is home to seven tribes formally known as the Confederate Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. 

Nicknamed "The Forgotten Giant of Washington", Mount Adams is often unfairly overlooked. Off the beaten path, the land surrounding the mountain is relatively undeveloped, and is overshadowed by its more popular neighbors. However, visitors to Mount Adams will be rewarded with breathtaking views and a more peaceful and secluded experience. Don't let the nickname deter you, Mount Adams offers pristine natural beauty that can be enjoyed by everyone. 

A wide variety of activities offer year round enjoyment of Mount Adams. Scenic trails up and around the mountain offer views of glaciers, streams, alpine forests, and wildflower fields. Campgrounds are open in the summer and offer easy access to outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, backpacking, biking, and equestrian sports. In the winter, cross country skiing and riding snowmobiles are popular ways to enjoy the mountain. No matter what the activity, you’re guaranteed to be amazed by Mount Adams' beauty.