Bird Creek Meadows
Mid-summer is an ideal time to visit Bird Creek Meadows on the southern slopes of Mt. Adams. The purple lupine, red paintbrush and bright pink monkey flowers line the crystal blue streams. The massive summit block of the mountain and its large glaciers showcase the magnificent scene.There are few alpine areas as beautiful and photogenic as this destination anywhere.
Mt. Adams from BIrd Creek Meadows
Clark’s Nutcracker
Backpackers on top glacial moraine that I just left
Monkey Flower
I’ve been spotted
Hellroaring Viewpoint
After enjoying the sub-alpine meadows on a sunny day, I recommend hiking up the mountain to Hellroaring Viewpoint. Several times I have spotted mountain goats feeding in the distance.
If you still have some energy, I suggest hiking to a 7,500-foot vista of Mt. Adams’ summit from the top of a steep glacial moraine. On your return, take it slow and enjoy the beauty. This is one of those outings you will relive again and again over time.
Warning: If the gate to the access road is open, it’s a long, rough drive to reach the trailhead. However, the road may not be open due to wildfire damage. If the gate isn’t open, the meadows can be reached by hiking from the South Climb Trailhead.
Waterfall at 7,000 feet seen from Hellroaring Viewpoint
Bird lake far below
Fritillary Butterfly
Bird Creek Meadows far below
Wildflower-lined creek
Early morning light on Mt. Adams (lenticular cloud just beginning to form)
Lenticular Cloud growing bigger later in the day
Bee enjoying the Heather
Wildflower-lined creek
Early morning sunlight on Mt. Adams
Clark’s Nutcracker
A fly enjoying Pink Heather
Wildflower meadows
Pink Monkeyflower
Hairstreak Butterfly
Top of bare glacial moraine was my destination
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