Lower Access: Proceed from Trout Lake, WA north on the Mt. Adams Recreation Rd. One mile north, take the right fork and after another half mile, take a left onto Rd #80 (sourh climb route). At the end of the pavement, the road turns right and becomes the gravel Rd #8040. Shortly after that, turn right onto Rd #8020. Drive several miles to the trailhead on the left (just before the intersection with Rd #8225).
Alternately, one can drive north out of Trout Lake via the route mentioned above but continue straight onto Rd #82 instead of onto Rd #80. Rd #82 is paved until it veers sharply right at a snow park (junction with Rd #8225). Continue straight on graveled (sometimes rough) Rd #8225 until the junction with Rd #8020. Turn left ont Rd #8020 and proceed shortly to the trailhead on the right.
Upper Access: Proceed from Trout Lake, WA north on the Mt. Adams Recreation Rd. One mile north, take the right fork and after another half mile, take a left onto Rd #80 (sourh climb route). At the end of the pavement, the road turns right and becomes the gravel Rd #8040. Follow Rd #8040 passing Wicky Creek Shelter on the left, and then a switchback. About two miles past the switchback you will find the signed trailhead on the right. If you reach the Crofton Ridge Trailhead, you will need to turn around and proceed downhill about one-half mile to find the trailhead.
Permits: Pacific Northwest Trail Pass not required at either trailhead?
Low Elevation: 3400'
High Elevation: 4600'
Elevation Gain: 1200'
Trail Length: 3.0 miles (4.8 km)
Water: Carry bottled water. Several small streams will be crossed along this route but they may only run during the early parts of the summer. Chemically treat or filter any water collected along this route.