How Tall Is Mount Adams?

Mount Adams is a hulking peak that draws hundreds of folks annually to its mountainside. It’s the second-tallest mountain in Washington, so it’s got some serious height to it. Let’s explore where Mount Adams is precisely, as well as how tall it is. We’ll also compare its height to other mountains in Washington and around the world. Finally, we’ll take a look at some of the wildlife you may see if you take a visit to Mount Adams.

Where is Mount Adams?

Mount Adams is located in Washington State. It’s a part of the Cascade Range, as well as the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It’s in the southwest corner of the state, and the closest big city to the peak is actually Portland, Oregon. The mountain sits directly on the western border of the Yakima Indian Reservation.

Mount Adams mountain sits near some of the most incredible mountains in Washington. It’s just east of Mount Saint Helens, and it’s about 50 miles south of Mount Rainier. That means you could reasonably explore all these great peaks on a week-long trip to the state.

How Tall is Mount Adams?

The peak of Mount Adams is a whopping 12,281 feet in elevation. While its elevation is substantial, the mountain also notably towers almost 10,000 feet above the land around it (which is already above sea level). Climbing to the peak of Mount Adams is a difficult undertaking. Generally, hikers will take the Mount Adams South Climb trail which is an 11.6-mile out-and-back trail.

To climb the peak, you’ll need a pass from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Once you cross the elevation of 7,000 feet, a specific pass becomes necessary. Otherwise, you’ll just need a recreational pass to enjoy the hike.

How Does Mount Adams Compare to Other Mountains?

As mentioned previously, Mount Adams is the second-tallest mountain in Washington, behind only Mount Rainier. Despite ranking highly in the state’s tallest mountains, it’s in 166th place when it comes to the tallest mountains in all of the United States. Colorado, of course, dominates that list, along with Alaska.

As for the Cascade Range, Mount Adams is, once again, the second-tallest peak. While the mountain may not rank well nationally, it certainly boasts some exceptional height for its region and range, making it a wonderful place for experienced hikers to visit.

Wildlife at Mount Adams

It’s no secret that the Cascade Mountain Range is home to some incredible flora and fauna. As far as wildlife goes, you can expect to see some unique mammals and a long list of beautiful birds. Bald eagles soar in the region, so if you’re looking carefully, you can see our national bird. You can also anticipate catching a glimpse of a woodpecker or two!

Some of the more interesting mammals in the Mount Adams Wildnerness include the American pika and the mule deer. Of course, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for mountain lions and red foxes, too. Mount Adams is a beautiful place to take in the diverse wildlife of the Pacific Northwest region.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © gagliardiphotography/ via Canva.com