Climbing Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens separately are no small feats. The Adams2StHelens (or StHelens2Adams) challenge consists in climbing both peaks and running in-between, all in a single push.
The Trailheads
You can make this an Adams2StHelens or StHelens2Adams challenge, whatever feels better to you. However, you have to start/finish at the following two trailheads:
The Route
There is no prescribed route, you pick your own. However, you have to follow one of the two sequences in completing this challenge:
- Adams2StHelens: Start at the Cold Springs trailhead — climb Mt. Adams, tag the summit — run to Mt. St. Helens, climb it, tag the summit — finish at the Mt. St. Helens Climbers Bivouac trailhead.
- StHelens2Adams: Start at the Mt. St. Helens Climbers Bivouac trailhead — climb Mt. St. Helens, tag the summit — run to Mt. Adams, climb it, tag the summit — finish at the Cold Springs trailhead.
That means you do not have to get back to the start trailhead again on the way down from the first summit. You also do not have to tag the finish trailhead before climbing the second summit.
Guidelines
- This is not a race. You do not need to register or qualify or anything. There are no fees. Anyone can do it anytime of the year.
- You must start/finish at one of the two trailheads listed above.
- The clock starts when you leave the start trailhead (Cold Springs or Mt. St. Helens Climbers Bivouac) and stops when you reach the finish trailhead (Cold Springs or Mt. St. Helens Climbers Bivouac).
- The clock does not stop if the individual or team sleeps, rests, etc.
- You do not need to follow any prescribed route.
- The challenge can be done individually or in teams. If completed in a team, all team members must do all parts of the route. Relays do not count.
- The challenge must be completed in a single push. Sleep, rest, etc. along the route are allowed. No leaving the route and returning.
- Each and every part of the route must be covered with human muscle power only. That includes: climbing, hiking, running, swimming, kayaking, biking, skiing, and paragliding. No motorized form of transport is allowed on any part of your chosen route.
- Crews and stashing of gear, food, and water are allowed. All stashes must be retrieved.
- The challenge can be completed in an unsupported, self-supported, or supported way.
- Announcing your intentions is encouraged, but not mandatory.
- The challenge must be tracked and documented in order to be listed in the results.
- All wilderness regulations as well as Federal, State, and Local laws must be strictly followed.
- You must respect private land and property.
- Strict leave-no-trace backcountry ethics must be followed.
Important
- Climbing Mt. St. Helens requires a permit between Apr 1 and Oct 31. More info at https://www.mshinstitute.org/explore/climbing-permits/climbing-permits.html
- Depending on conditions both Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens may require crampons, ice axe, and helmet. Check the conditions and come prepared.
Records
| Date | Athlete | Style | Elapsed time | Report |
| Jul 24, 2014 | Christof Teuscher | Supported | 38h17min1 | Report |
1For an unknown reason, I did stop my watch at Chocolate falls, not at the Climbers Bivouac.
Stay Informed and Connected
FAQs
- What’s in for me if I complete this route? Fame. Pure fame.
- How can I announce an attempt? Use your personal Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or post in some running-related group/forum/page.
- How can I submit my data to be listed on this page? Contact Christof Teuscher.
- Do I need to write up a trip report? No, it’s not mandatory. Yet, reports allow to share knowledge and to inspire others, so they are encouraged.
- Do I need to carry a satellite tracker? No, but you need to submit solid evidence that you completed the challenge. A GPS track (e.g., recorded with GaiaGPS) provides reasonable evidence. So do links to Strava or other activity websites. And of course photos and movies will provide additional evidence.
Disclaimers
- Records are not verified. The burden of proof is solely on the individual or team. Thus, the more documentation you can provide, the better. See http://fastestknowntime.com/verification for more info.
- The information provided on this website does not identify possible dangers. When you are attempting this challenge, you assume responsibility for your own actions and safety.