Mt. Adams: SW Chutes

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

The Volcano Pass works as the parking permit for the Cold Springs Trailhead.

Drop in from the south aspect of Pikers Peak. There are a few different rock bands that run downhill that you can choose to descend between. The pitch is around 45 degrees most of the way down, so a self arrest tool advised.

Be careful not to descend too far and end up well below the return trail and the main trailhead. You could potentially end up down in Morrison Campground instead of back at Cold Springs. Traverse hard skiers left once you exit the chutes; depending on the snowpack, boot packing sections may be mandatory.

Lou Dawson gave this route a difficulty rating of D6 ( loudawson.com/rating-ski-de…).