Hike to Adams Glacier Meadows

For the most of the hike, the mountain is hidden behind the firs that surround the hiker as they gain elevation. Because of the dense forest the trail is remains in for most of the hike, it is nicely shaded and pleasant to wander through. At about 2 miles in, the trail leads the hiker into various meadows, where clumps of trees delineate the boundaries of each one.  Keep on going until you find a good lunch spot, perhaps in the meadow (please be kind to these alpine beauties!) or in the cooling shade of a tree.  

For the more adventurous, continue up the trail. Eventually, you will find yourself crossing paths with the PCT. You want to take the High Camp trail, which is the only trail here that goes upward– when I went, there was a sign marking the trail, positioned by a large cairn. The trail will begin to pick up elevation again, and will wind its way beneath a ridge, until meeting up with the left (easternmost) side of itself. Here the trail quickly shoots upward, carving through a boulder field until placing you on a the side of the ridge, now facing, unblocked, towards the Mt. Adams! To the north, you'll see Goat Rocks, various peaks of the Dark Divide, and on a clear day, Mt. Rainier. This is a great lunch spot, so pop a squat, break out the food and camera, and bask in the glory of this magnificent mountain towering of you!