Fundraising Minimum: $2,800 per participant

Mount Adams, is one of our favorite climbs, for experience, wildlife, views, and challenge. One of the largest volcanoes on the Cascade Volcanic Arc, Adams offers the complete novice mountaineering experience. This expedition is for the Umass climbing team.

The climate is diverse and stunning. We will pass through lower forests dominated by fir, hemlock, and cedar, then through meadows and wetlands on the lower flanks, with vibrant fields of alpine flowers. We may catch glimpses of mountain goat, Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, and the Cascade mountain fox. Birds include chickadee, kinglets, thrushes, warblers, sparrows, and finches, and the endemic gray-crowned rosy finch, found well above tree-line. Circling high above will be red-tailed hawks, golden and bald eagles, ospreys, great horned owls, and falcons.

From the summit, if it is a clear day, we will be able to see Rainier, Baker, Glacier Peak, Saint Helens, Hood, Jefferson, the Three Sisters, Thielsen, Scott, Diamond Peak, and McLoughlin.

Each year, thousands of enthusiasts attempt to summit Mt. Adams. While some routes have glaciers, crevasses, steep sections, loose rocks, and other mountaineering hazards, we will (most likely) take the non-technical South Climb route that should avoid these hazards and does not require mountaineering skills or advanced equipment.

Our experienced guides can give us options to take on additional technical challenges, depending on conditions and the team’s desires. To prepare for the summit push, we will receive Snow School training on the proper use of an ice axes, crampons, and mountain communication.

This will be a physical and mental challenge, but one that is absolutely doable, even for beginners. By taking on something bigger than ourselves, we are reminded of what we can achieve in life, and we are thrilled to offer this experience to families this year.

INTINERARY

June 13

Arrive in Portland by 5pm. We will pick everyone up at the airport and drive everyone to the Mountain Shop for last-minute gear or boot rentals, then to the hotel. We will have a team dinner, with introductions, plenty of time for questions, and gear check, where we will divide up communal gear, including tent, food, and fuel. Early to bed.

June 14

Rise early and drive 2.5 hours through the beautiful Gifford Pinchot National Forest to the trailhead to begin hiking. Over the next five to six hours, climbers will carry their full kit (30-45 lbs) to high camp, at the "Lunch Counter," (altitude 9,250’). After setting up tents, we will spend a few hours in Snow School, learning the proper use of ice axes, mountain communication, and practicing self-arrest techniques. Dinner and sunset overlooking the Cascades. Early to bed.

June 15

During the pre-dawn hours, we will climb 2-4 hours to the snow and ice slopes from our high camp to the false summit, Piker's Peak (altitude 11,657’) before continuing on to the true summit at 12,276’ where we will take incredible photos with 360º views!

Conditions permitting, the return to camp may include the opportunity to glissade, which is a controlled slide on your feet or butt -- a fun alternative way to descend (see video). The descent from the summit to high camp should take a fraction of time it took us to ascend.

June 16

From high camp, we'll leisurely hike down for 4 hours. Then before driving back to Portland, we’ll enjoy a celebratory team meal and famous Huckleberry milkshake (or a beer). People can fly home on the red-eye or spend the night in town before flying out the following day.

June 17

Travel day. Most people will return home.

note: our itinerary on the mountain is subject to weather and snow conditions.

GEAR
Hardware – Our Guides provide most of the hardware – ice ax, crampons, helmets ropes.... The big items are the boots. We can rent those in Portland. Just let us know if you need them. They need to be crampon compatible.

Climbing pack (65–75 liters)
Sleeping bag comfortable to 25F (dependent upon season, weather forecast and personal preference)
Sleeping pad
Hiking Boots -- need to be crampon compatible.
Lighter
LED headlamp and extra batteries (100 lumens or brighter)

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Clothing
Wicking, quick-dry boxers or briefs (1–2 pairs)
Wicking, quick-dry sports bra (for women)
Midweight wool or synthetic socks (2 pairs)
Lightweight long underwear top
Lightweight long underwear bottoms
Midweight long underwear top
Fleece or soft-shell jacket
Midweight puffy jacket with hood
Soft-shell pants
Waterproof/breathable rain jacket
Waterproof/breathable rain pants
Hiking shorts (wicking, quick-dry; optional)
Winter hat (wool or fleece)
Neck gaiter, balaclava, Buff or bandana
Sun-shielding hat or cap
Liner gloves
Midweight waterproof gloves
Heavy-insulated gloves or mittens
Gaiters
Change of clothes to leave in car
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Personal Items
Glacier glasses
Goggles (optional; weather dependent)
Plastic bowl
Drinking mug
Fork and spoon
1-liter water bottles (2 or 1 + hydration reservoir)
Ear plugs (optional)
Toothbrush (travel size)
Toothpaste (travel size)
Sunscreen (2 fl. oz. of SPF 30 or higher)
Lip balm (SPF 30 or higher)
First-aid kit
Large garbage bags for lining pack (2; optional; white recommended)

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Food.
We’ll bring all the gear for cooking. You just need a cup, bowl, spoon above. Quantity varies depending on route and length of trip.
We provide breakfast, coffee, trail food, and dinner. Be sure to also pack personal preferences for hiking/climbing
Snacks (cookies, GORP, jerky, Snickers, dried fruit, etc.)
Energy gels
Energy bars
Electrolyte replacement drink mix

Umass Mt Adams 2026

Summer 2026

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Team Members