Mount Adams Highline

This hike climbs the north side of Mount Adams to spectacular alpine tundra and panoramic views on Devil's Garden via two challenging stream crossings. The garden is situated on a high plateau below the heavily-crevassed Lava and Lyman Glaciers.

The Highline trail is connected to the Killen Creek Trail by the Pacific Crest Trail. Beginning on Killen Creek, hike south for about 3.5 miles to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. The Killen Creek trail never goes past Killen Creek, but does cross the East Fork of Adams Creek. Turn left onto the PCT, and follow the PCT for 1 mile to Killen Creek Camp on a challenging section of trail that goes up, down and around in ways the terrain doesn't predict.

Another 0.2 mile past Killen Creek, you'll find a junction with the Highline trail. Take the right fork and hike 1.7 miles on the Highline trail to a junction with the Muddy Meadows trail. Take the right fork again to stay on the Highline trail, climbing another 1,900 feet in 3.7 to reach the border of the Yakama Nation.

The trail is closed to all non-enrolled members of Yakama Nation at this point (the reservation boundary) as it crosses into Yakama Nation land. Note that this means there is no public access to the Avalanche Valley Camp. (The Northwest Forest Pass, Discover Pass and Mount Adams Recreation permits do not grant entry to the closed reservation area.) 

Note: You'll cross two branches of the Muddy Fork River along the way, which can be difficult or dangerous if the water is high.