Mt Adams Backpacking

This weekend I went backpacking with Jagan, Julien, and Michelle. We went to the Mt Adams Highline Trail, which is a trail that goes *almost* all the way around Mt Adams. We did not try to take the full 38 mile trail :) (especially since the car shuttle distance is 53 miles of crappy roads). Rather, we went in at Cold Springs Camp (where you start for the popular southern summit route) over to Horseshoe Meadow. This was about 7 miles each way.

The first mile or so is shared with many people who are heading up to make a summit attempt. At ~1.2 miles, this trail runs into the Highline trail, and you make a left. From this point on, we saw only 3 groups of people over two days. After the initial climb, the trail meanders along the tree line with little elevation gain. There are frequent views of Adams, Hood, and St. Helens.

Horseshoe meadows was an okay camp. I was not particularly impressed by the meadows. It may be a little early in the season though. Next time I think I would check out Lookingglass Lake (about the same distance) or try to make it to Crystal Lake.

The photograph was pretty good. It was a bit too hazy on Saturday, so the shots were not that great. Here is one of St Helens (from a nice lunch spot):

Ian Steiner Canon 500d, 55mm, f/7.1, 1/100s From Mt Adams 2009

Mt Adams at sunset:

Ian Steiner Canon 500d, 18mm, f/11, 3.2s From Mt Adams 2009

Mt Hood at sunrise:

Ian Steiner Canon 500d, 18mm, f/11, 1/50s From Mt Adams 2009

Michelle and Julien walking along a wildflower covered slope. I kinda like the lens flair in this one.

Ian Steiner Canon 500d, 28mm, f/11, 1/15s From Mt Adams 2009