[Jordan]

Hello.  I am thinking about doing Adams this year and was needing some info on getting there.  I will be coming from Seattle and doing the climb in July.  What is the fastest route there?  Is it faster to drive hwy 12 to Randle then come down or to hwy 14, over and back up?  Thanks

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none

[neek]

I think this depends on how fast you are willing to drive on dirt roads.  Last time I took Hwy 12 there and 14 back.  The former was slightly faster because I drive pretty fast on rough roads, but the latter was much more pleasant.  Don't forget to grab a permit in Trout Lake.

[cascadeclimber]

I've driven from Issaquah to Cold Springs three different ways. Back roads is a shorter distance, but it's no faster than the freeway route, and a lot harder on your car.

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If not now, when?

[Hutch]

I think it's about a coin flip on time, just depends what kind of drive you want. NF23 wasn't in terrible shape as of last summer, but you're still only making 30mph on windy, potholed gravel road for 20-30 miles. The South Route has some last minute food options in Trout Lake.

[Randito]

FWIW: In pre-gps days I spent many hours misnavigating between Packwood and Trout Lake -- vainly trying to find a way through when the main road was blocked by downed trees.     

The last time I summitted -- I went from Bellevue through Yakima in order to pick up my nephew who lives there -- that route is very similar driving time compared to the I-5/I-84 route as it is generally nothing compariable to the Tacoma and Portland traffic snarls.

Also in terms of logistics -- going via FS23 doesn't save you from dropping down to Trout Lake as that is where you need to pick up your "Cascades Volcano Pass" permit and human waste "blue bag"    -- Supposedly the one can purchase said passes online and bring your own poop bag -- but the permit purchase site seems to be broken.

[moonspots]

[olderthanIusedtobe]

[JonnyQuest]

Bear Creek Cafe is the one at the 141/Mt. Adams Rd. intersection with the huckleberry shakes & pancakes and outside picnic tables.  When the weather is nice, they fire up a wood fired pizza oven and sometimes have music out on the lawn.

Another place to try in Trout Lake is the Trout Lake Country Inn - been there once for dinner and it was really good.  Definitely more upscale than the burgers at Bear Creek.

[BigBrunyon]

For a true drive to Adam's, you really gotta go Randle south. Get in deep in to the DARK divide and feel the dark vibes. Several dead end roads down dark obscure roads late at night!! Getting lost!!! People campin in the ditch, big roadside bonfires!!! GPS often don't work up in these roads. Yet it remains the premier way to approach Adams!

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YOU NEVER KNOW!!

[fyodorova]

[yorknl]

Respectfully disagree.  The True Way to Adams is via Enumclaw and Cayuse Pass to Packwood, the 21 road south, east a bit on the road toward Walupt Lake, south a little bit on 56, and then up 2329 to Midway, Muddy Meadows, Killen Creek and Takhlakh Lake.  Sure, it may not put you anywhere near the south climb, but it's a lovely drive and even a rough track like 2329 is more fun than 7 or (horrors) 161 to Elbe and on to Morton and Randle.

[Cyclopath]

[Dustin Trails]

This conversation has taken a turn for the best.  One more vote for the dark divide!  Although in recent years I am generally coming from Ashford so it makes the most sense to go through the forest.  Bring a book and a favorite intoxicant for a break along the way.  At this point you have abandoned the safety of the interstate highway system, so please do exercise some caution.  Fuel up before you embark and try not to crash your camper van hitting an unmarked dip.

[Slugman]

Dark Divide is named for a prospector named John Dark. It’s actually quite well-lit. 

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“The jerking motion of a knee does not reflect the operation of a mind”  Slugman, January 24th 2020

[Carbonj]

A ex girl friend in packwood calls it the big bottom valley, in deference to her, I would call it perfect bottom valley.