Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Why is the Cascades Volcano Pass needed?

Climbing Mt. Adams is very popular and provides non-technical climbing routes that are accessible to novice climbers. Mt. Adams is the second highest peak in Washington, third highest of the entire Cascades Range. Management of recreational use at these areas poses many challenges such as human waste, resource impacts to approach trails and base camps, search and rescue, public safety, and education. Congressionally appropriated budgets have not been sufficient to meet the demand for services or resource protection. Revenue from the Cascades Volcano Pass fills the gap.

How will the fees be used at Mt. Adams?

Eighty percent of the revenues generated are returned to the site where they were collected. The public has suggested that fees collected for climbing Mt. Adams by used to enhance services and improve resource protection via:

• Education and information regarding safety and Leave No Trace ethics.

• Status: Climbing conditions are updated weekly on the web (Mt. Adams Climbing Conditions). Safety and Leave No Trace ethics are promoted by climbing rangers and through school programs.

• Restoration of campsites and approach trails.

• Status: Work performed by climbing rangers.

• Improvement of the roads accessing the South Climb Trailhead.

• Status: Road 8040-500 (Morrison Creek Campground to South Climb trailhead) was resurfaced in 2001. Road 8040 (end of pavement to Morrison Creek Campground) is being surface graded three times each summer.

• Development of an effective human waste management system.

• Status: Human waste pack-out system was initiated in 2000. Pack-out bags are available at the Mt. Adams Ranger Station. Disposal cans are located at the South Climb trailhead. Over 1100 pounds of waste are removed annually.

• Maintaining an adequate climbing ranger program.

• Status: Two climbing rangers are dedicated to Mt. Adams through the summer. They provide route information and resource restoration. They also facilitate search and rescue.

How much is the Cascades Volcano Pass for Mt. Adams

• $15 per person for a Weekend Pass valid for a single climbing trip involving any weekend day, Friday-Sunday.

• $10 per person for a Weekday Pass valid for a single climbing trip on weekdays, Monday-Thursday.

• $30 per person for an Annual Pass valid for unlimited climbs at Mt. Adams during the calendar year purchased.

On Mt. Adams, passes are required when above 7,000 feet elevation from June 1 to September 30. Passes are free to people under 16 years of age.

For Mount St. Helens information please see the Mount St. Helens climbing page.

Where can I purchase a Cascades Volcano Pass for Mt. Adams?

Single trip and annual passes are available during regular office hours at the Mt. Adams Ranger Station in Trout Lake and the Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station in Randle, Washington.

Single trip and annual passes are also available by mail. Please fill out and mail in the Cascades Volanco Pass Order Form (pdf format) with your check.

Single trip passes may also be purchased at self-issuing stations located at the Mt. Adams Ranger Station and the Killen Creek Trailhead.

What if my trip starts on a weekday and ends on a weekend?

Cascades Volcano Passes are issued on a per trip basis. Weekend passes are required when above 7,000 feet on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Example: a trip beginning on Wednesday and ending on Friday would require the purchase of a weekend pass.

Do I still need a Northwest Forest Pass if I have a Cascades Volcano Pass?

No. The parking stub that is included with the Cascades Volcano Pass takes the place of the Northwest Forest Pass while your car is parked at the trailhead during your climb. Place the parking stub on the front dashboard of your vehicle. Please make sure it is visible from the outside of your vehicle to avoid a citation.