Classic Pic From Mt. Adams

Lookin' down on the Avalanche-White Salmon Glacier from the summit of Mount Adams (12,276 ft). I'm NOT an authority on WA's Mount Adams, but I'll always remember my ascent to the summit of this classic NW stratavolcano. My youngest brother and I climbed it on July 11, 1982. We were completely "shocked" to find deep snow on the 'South Spur Trail,' just past Cold Springs Campground. Luckily, the consolidated snow was still frozen, and we were able to get an early start. Intriguing local history: A lookout cabin was built on (Adams) summit in 1921 and was occupied for several years. In 1929, a sulphur claim was staked on the summit and a trail soon built; test holes were dug through the ice to the deposits. At the height of activity in 1931, some 168 pack trains reached the summit (climbers still use traces of the pack trail and for years could expect hot coffee with the miners). The Glacier Mining Company had active workings until 1937. Mount Adams is covered by ten principal glaciers, ranging from 1 to 2 mi. in length. Most of the mountain's glaciers are not deeply embedded, but lie on its surface, spreading out fan-like and banked by moraines. My brother and I had to bring our own coffee, and found that Mount Adams is a vast mountain in all respects. We began our ascent at an elevation of 5,600 feet. July 11, 1982