High Camp Trail #10

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This entire trail is in the Mt Adams Wilderness area so wilderness regulations apply.

This trail begins at a clear, signed intersection with the Killen Creek Trail #113 and the Pacific Crest Trail. Most runners take the 3.2 mile Killen Creek Trail #113 to access High Camp but other longer options from nearby trailheads also work, such as Divide Camp Trail #112 or Muddy Meadows Trail #13.

From the intersection, the trail immediately begins climbing at a moderate grade through fields of lupines, Indian paintbrushes, and other wildflowers during summer. Soon views to Mount Rainier and the Goat Rocks will open up behind you to the north. The trail will level out a little before approaching the left/eastern side of the prominent ridge before you (marked simply with it's 6,928 foot elevation on some maps).

The climb up this ridge is steep and on disorganized, loose switchbacks. You'll crest the first part of the ridge to outstanding views of Adams over a snowfield. The trail continues steeply up and to the right along the scree field. At the top you can rest among the scraggly evergreens or continue along the now flat section that's High Camp. After a while the official trail ends among informal trails to various campsites.