Mount Adams

Mount Adams is an andesite stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of Yakima County, Washington. Glaciers such as Adams and Klickitat stretch across the slopes, carving deep valleys between the ridges that descend from the summit.

The volcano last erupted in the year 1060, leaving ash and lava layers still visible on the flanks today. European explorers named it after the second President of the United States in the early 19th century.

Yakama communities maintain a deep connection to the peak, known as Pahto in their language, and weave it into creation stories as a brother to other Cascade summits. Hunters and gatherers have used the mountain flanks for centuries as seasonal routes and harvesting grounds for berries and wild plants.

Hikers planning an ascent should monitor weather conditions closely, as storms can develop rapidly. Gear for glacier travel and an early start help avoid crevasses and afternoon snowfall.

More than 100 small basaltic volcanoes surround the base and spread across a wide area east and south of the main summit. These smaller cones formed through separate eruptions and create a volcanic field older than the central stratovolcano itself.

Location: Washington

Location: Yakima County

Elevation above the sea: 3,743.4 m

Made from material: andesite

GPS coordinates: 46.20240,-121.49095

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:47