Mount Adams Route

At 2208 m high, the summit provides commanding views across the alps, Adams Wilderness Area, the coastline and the flats in between. The route from Little Man River (Dry Creek) up to the bush edge on Mt Adams was re-opened in 2009. The route is well marked and windfalls are cleared every two years.

State Highway 6 – bush edge

Time: 5 hr

Follow the farm track upstream for approximately 1 km before dropping down into the riverbed. The route, while mainly on the true right, may change because of storms and floods. You will have to pick the best places to cross the river, and re-cross if required. The valley soon becomes confined by steep hillsides and after approximately 2 hours you will reach the second major tributary joining the main river on the true right. At this point the main river cuts sharply back on itself and into a tight gorge. Look for the large orange triangle marking the route entrance into the forest on the true right, around 50 m up from the confluence. This is the last creek so make sure you have enough water with you to last until you reach the snowline and beyond. The route climbs very steeply up tree-root-covered ground to the crest of a spur about 20 min into the forest. As you continue to climb the forest becomes more stunted and eventually you are moving through subalpine scrub. After climbing steadily for approximately 3 hours you will pop out onto a sloping tussock-covered ridgeline. Further up the ridge there are several good locations to camp – between approximately 1545 m and 2100 m. Warning: The marked route ends just past the bush line at the two yellow and orange deer posts. Travel beyond this point is suitable only for mountaineers and those experienced in alpine travel. You must take a map, compass and alpine equipment, and know how to use them.