We did a 2 night backpacking loop through the trails on the North side of Adams.
Road: Took Forest Rd 23 from Randle and headed someone else's advice to stick with this one (more paved) than the alternate forest road that connects to Packwood. Took us ~1.5 hrs from Randle to the Killen Creek TH. Only the last few miles are rough, but most any car can make it if you take your time. Killen Creek TH was full of cars when we arrived at 12:30pm on Saturday, but we got a spot in a pullout a little down the road.
Trail & Water: Overall very dusty/sandy, but in great condition with evidence of recent trail work.
Day 1: Killen Crk TH to Foggy Flats (~8.5 miles). Took the mellow connector trail from Killen Crk to Muddy Meadows TH, then continued up the gradual and forested trail to Foggy Flats. Only 1 water source along the way, about half way up to Foggy Flats. ~15+ tents at Foggy Flats, it was busier than expected. There are a handful of additional spots about 10 minutes further on the trail, but the closest water source would still be the creek in Foggy Flats.
Day 2: Morning hike out to Devil's Garden. The stream crossings were a bit spicy, but after 10 minutes of picking our way across at each one, we managed it. Water shoes would have been nice. INCREDIBLE views out here, even if you don't actually cross the streams. Moved camp Foggy Flats to High Camp (~4.5 miles). 1 water source on the way, a creek that flows over the PCT just after you join up with it. Trail up to High Camp is a bit brushy and rocky, but so worth it. Plenty of campsites spread out on the plateau, counted at least 10+ tents up here. It was WINDY as heck, even in our sheltered spot in some trees. Small spring with silt-free water is great, but only runs in the afternoon/evening.
Day 3: High Camp back down to Killen Crk TH (~5 miles). Only 1 water source, about half way down, a very small creek next to a meadow.
Bugs: No bugs except briefly a couple mosquitos just past Muddy Meadows.
Berries: Sadly no berries except a few on the connector trail between trail heads.
10/10, Mt Adams is absolutely stunning! I loved being close to the glaciers and seeing Adams, Rainier, Goat Rocks and even a sunset over Mt St Helens. It was worth the long drive out here.
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