Adder Mountain: North Face

This 1507 m peak offers a moderate trail with a challenging climb to gain the summit ridge. It is 5 km and takes approximately 3 hours to reach the summit. Hikers should give 8 hours to have plenty of time in good conditions. This hike is best done in late summer and early fall to avoid snow, especially on the summit ridge. It is advised that hikers have navigation experience following a trail that is not completely flagged and have a vehicle with 4 wheel drive as the road to the trailhead gets steep with many water bars.

This well worn out trail starts at the edge of a clearcut descending through some old growth to a river valley. Moving southwest up the valley hikers will move along some small bluffs into a saddle at the headwater of the valley. Continuing south, hikers will enter a subalpine plateau passing a big lone tree (landmark) and soon after dropping down a ledge with a rope for a handhold.

Continuing south, the trail gradually gets rockier and hikers aim their route towards a steep gully leading onto the summit ridge. The gully is located on the West end of the North face. Watch out for rockfall and loose scree. It’s recommended to ascend one at a time. Hike east along the ridge to reach the summit.