North Cleaver

This is the standard and most commonly documented mountaineering route on Mount Adams. It is a long, non-technical alpine climb that is usually done on snow in season, but it can involve loose volcanic rock and scree lower on the mountain. The route is straightforward in line-finding compared with the other major routes on the peak, but it is physically demanding because of the large elevation gain. In early season it is often climbed with crampons and an ice axe, and later in summer it may become a steep snow-and-scree ascent. Avalanche hazard can be significant when the route is snow-covered, especially on the upper mountain. Navigation and weather exposure are the main objective concerns rather than technical climbing difficulty.

The South Face is a recognized alpine route on Mount Adams and is substantially steeper and more serious than the standard South Climb. Conditions vary widely, with snow, ice, and mixed volcanic rock all possible depending on season. The route is exposed to objective hazards such as rockfall, loose snow, and avalanche danger. It is a more committing climb than the normal hiking-style ascent and requires solid alpine judgment and route-finding. Because conditions change quickly on the mountain, the difficulty can vary from moderate snow climbing to much more serious mixed climbing. It is generally considered a mountaineering route rather than a trekking line.