Killen Creek to High Camp — Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017

My friend and I did an multi-night backpack into Mt. Adams Wilderness, via the Killen Creek Trail. I called in advance to the Forest Service Station at Trout Lake to find out about water availability, but was not provided much helpful information. The person I spoke to told me that there was water, but it was "high and silty". The truth is there was plenty of creeks flowing with water available both where we camped at the Adams Creek meadow, and up on the PCT about 2 miles further from our camp.

The trail was well maintained, if a bit steep at times and very dusty. It is also a horse trail so that is likely why it is so full of dust/silt. We stayed overnight on Friday at Takhlakh Lake, but was more than happy to leave there as we were camped by an RV with a generator (quiet time by 10:00 pm). The campground is nice but car camping is so dependent on the kindness of neighbors.

When we saw Adams Creek meadows with a view of Mt. Adams and Adams glacier, we couldn't have been more delighted. And, there is a gentle creek that is a great water source right there. We decided to call this place our camp for two nights and just do day hikes up to the PCT such as to the other camps 2 miles to the north (another water source and to a beautiful meadow/waterfalls), to High Camp to see views of Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainer and to the east along the PCT to the junction with Divide Camp.

The other important detail is that if you are coming from Seattle, like we were, be aware that Hwy 23 (Cispus Road) is closed due to a road slide. Better to come via 410-123 to Hwy 21 and go straight on Rd 2329. It is a bit confusing but we made it in about 5.5 hours from Seattle.  

This area is much less populated than other choices north, east, or west of Seattle because it does take a long time to get there. But it is so worth it.