Worth the drive! The reward is an amazing close-up view of Mt. Adams.
The first 3.5 miles on the Killen Creek trail are a constant uphill but mostly gradual, and the trail is in good repair. This trail can be pretty dusty, and a little rain overnight tamped it down and made it very pleasant. This section is predominantly in forest, with a couple of small meadow views of the mountain.
Once the Killen Creek trail ends at the PCT, the trail straight ahead (#10) changes personalities for the last mile up to High Camp. The track is narrower but easy to follow at first. The last ½ mile is very steep and rocky. The trail could be difficult to follow at times, but people have built beautiful, large cairns to clearly lead the way. There is some loose rock and dirt on the steepest parts, so be careful, especially coming down. This last bit of trail is a lot of work but not terribly long. Once you clear the ridge, the terrain levels out for a bit and you stand at the base of Mt. Adams with a spectacular view of Adams Glacier. Simply wow!
The wildflowers are past their prime and appear, as in many areas, to have been underwhelming this year. There are still quite a few species blooming in limited numbers in the meadow up at High Camp, especially the gentian. The only wildlife spotted were Douglas squirrels, chipmunks, and Golden-mantled ground squirrels. Pikas were heard on the talus slope at the top of the climb, but they remained out of sight. Lots of birds in the forest—saw a couple of grouse.
No bugs other than a few buzzing flies and a lot of beautiful butterflies.
Just a little over 9 miles in total with a little wandering around, and about 2,300 feet of elevation gain.
For a trail with such a spectacular destination, it was fairly quiet. Left the trailhead at 7:30AM and only saw four people until High Camp. There were more people coming up as we descended, but relatively few compared to so many other PNW trails. Lots of space in the trailhead parking area both when we arrived and departed.
FS road #2329 to the trailhead was in surprisingly good shape. I drove it easily in a small sedan; just a couple of rough spots. No facilities at the trailhead—recommend using those at the Takhlakh Lake campground.
I heartily recommend making the drive down to this area to explore if you haven’t been before!
Comments
gottahike on Killen Creek to High Camp
This is exactly where I plan to go soon! Are you able to report on the availability of water at High Camp? Thanks!
Posted by:
gottahike on Aug 11, 2023 11:16 AM
Eekhoorn 1 on Killen Creek to High Camp
You raise a good question that I should have covered in my report. This late in the season, easy water sources are a bit scarce on this trail. Up at High Camp, there is still a trickle running through the upper part that could be filtered, and there is snow accessible nearby if you wanted to use it. So, doable. There is a stream you cross at about two miles into the hike that is still running (barely) as well.
Have fun, I predict you'll love it!
Posted by:
Eekhoorn 1 on Aug 11, 2023 11:38 AM
Bob and Barb on Killen Creek to High Camp
After reading your kind comment on our Umtanum Canyon report, I wanted to read some of your reports. I almost commented on this report when I first read it as it was one of our favorite hikes in our younger days. We even backpacked it once. It has been at least 30 years or more since we have been there so it was fun to vicariously walk it again through your report!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Oct 12, 2023 04:42 PM