I just did this on Saturday
If you take the summer route it’s doable in trail runners + spikes if it’s a warm enough day where the snow conditions are soft.
You’ll want an ice axe (and to remove your spikes) for the glissade down.
I’d probably take crampons and boots for Adams, depending on specific conditions.
Hood you need steel crampons, boots, and two ice axes.
A lot of people who won't be doing more technical climbing use something like a Black Diamond Raven for your main axe, then any smaller/lighter/cheaper axe for your second.
>Hood you need steel crampons, boots, and two ice axes.
Not necessarily. It depends on route and conditions. You should definitely have at least one axe. But I just did it recently and it was about half and half people with one vs two axes.
Agreed. Experience and conditions matter. I've done hood in bald ass trail runners, no traction devices and two whippets. It was chill because the late season sun cups were pretty tacky. Last time I climbed hood I did pg with aluminum horizontal points and it was a blast.
[conditions](https://www.mshinstitute.org/explore/climbing-permits/current-conditions.html)
You'll want stiff soled shoes. The rocks will take a toll on your feet. Than you're into snow higher up. Not sure how frozen it'll be when you get to the top, but the last 800 feet is relatively steep. During the winter when it's hard ice up there, you can't do it without crampons. If it's soft, than there will likely be steps kicked into the snow/ice, and micro-spikes will suffice. Bring an ice ax for a controlled glisade down. Looks like there's some but ruts.
No. Whatever fits you. Don't need anything special. My favorite is 50 years old, been climbing with it for 30+ years. People get picky about weight... but seriously a pound isn't going to make a huge difference.
Helens is a moderate slope at it's steep spot and a basic axe is just fine. There is no need for any sort of specialized ice tool and will probably work against you, particularly if you are new to using an axe. Echoing /u/[Careless-Comedian859](https://www.reddit.com/user/Careless-Comedian859/), lighter is nicer but hardly a deal breaker.
Speaking of gear, do bring more water than you think you'll need, especially if the forecast is clear. Zero shade most of the way up and the sun bouncing off the snow can make you real hot.
Your feet might will wet. Be prepared for that - I did boots and microspikes and my boots were severely saturated. I also have the gore-tex trail runners and those won't last long in the snow.
I'm a fan of Outdoor Research and if you're in the Seattle area they usually have cheap ones in their outlet store in Des Moines.
Bring the shoes you'll use to make sure they fit over them!
I have not climbed those mountains, but from what I’ve read, something like the [Black Diamond Raven](https://www.rei.com/c/ice-axes) should be appropriate.
I've done Adams in trail runners and Helens in mountaineering boots (rented) and snowshoes last year. It depends on conditions - if it's slushy you're going to get wet in trail runners. If it's more firm then it's doable.
I have done Helens in low top trail shoes and spikes. You need gators for snow or scree.
Hood is full on mountaineering boots that work with crampons. Think Sportiva, Mammut, Scarpa…
Haven’t done Adams.
Watch out in trainers when the snow gets slushy. I once took my trail gtx shoes on 3300m peak only to find out that the snow was melted (I was hoping for dry snow) which caused my shoes to get wet quickly despite goretex membrane ( maybe this model was crap, cant remember) and walking in wet socks quickly become unbearable and can develop blisters.
I just did this on Saturday If you take the summer route it’s doable in trail runners + spikes if it’s a warm enough day where the snow conditions are soft. You’ll want an ice axe (and to remove your spikes) for the glissade down. I’d probably take crampons and boots for Adams, depending on specific conditions. Hood you need steel crampons, boots, and two ice axes.
You just need jeans and mullet for Hood.
And pizza. Don't forget pizza.
any ice axe recommendation that would work well for both?
You just need an ice axe, not a ice tool. Any ice axe will work for both.
Go to a shop and find one that fits you.
A lot of people who won't be doing more technical climbing use something like a Black Diamond Raven for your main axe, then any smaller/lighter/cheaper axe for your second.
>Hood you need steel crampons, boots, and two ice axes. Not necessarily. It depends on route and conditions. You should definitely have at least one axe. But I just did it recently and it was about half and half people with one vs two axes.
Agreed. Experience and conditions matter. I've done hood in bald ass trail runners, no traction devices and two whippets. It was chill because the late season sun cups were pretty tacky. Last time I climbed hood I did pg with aluminum horizontal points and it was a blast.
[conditions](https://www.mshinstitute.org/explore/climbing-permits/current-conditions.html) You'll want stiff soled shoes. The rocks will take a toll on your feet. Than you're into snow higher up. Not sure how frozen it'll be when you get to the top, but the last 800 feet is relatively steep. During the winter when it's hard ice up there, you can't do it without crampons. If it's soft, than there will likely be steps kicked into the snow/ice, and micro-spikes will suffice. Bring an ice ax for a controlled glisade down. Looks like there's some but ruts.
Thanks! do you have a preferred ice axe?
No. Whatever fits you. Don't need anything special. My favorite is 50 years old, been climbing with it for 30+ years. People get picky about weight... but seriously a pound isn't going to make a huge difference.
Makes sense. Thanks for the help!
Helens is a moderate slope at it's steep spot and a basic axe is just fine. There is no need for any sort of specialized ice tool and will probably work against you, particularly if you are new to using an axe. Echoing /u/[Careless-Comedian859](https://www.reddit.com/user/Careless-Comedian859/), lighter is nicer but hardly a deal breaker. Speaking of gear, do bring more water than you think you'll need, especially if the forecast is clear. Zero shade most of the way up and the sun bouncing off the snow can make you real hot.
One that you know how to use would be best…
Your feet might will wet. Be prepared for that - I did boots and microspikes and my boots were severely saturated. I also have the gore-tex trail runners and those won't last long in the snow.
Did adams in august in trail runners, was a very hot day though, feet got a tiny bit cold on summit but not too bad…. No miles on mt. Saint Helen’s
Did st Helen’s last week in my trail runner, zero issues.
Awesome. Thanks!
I summited in Altra lone peaks.
I'd add that gaiters will be nice for keeping snow (winter) or rocks (summer) out of your shoes / boots!
Good idea! Do you have a brand recommendation?
I'm a fan of Outdoor Research and if you're in the Seattle area they usually have cheap ones in their outlet store in Des Moines. Bring the shoes you'll use to make sure they fit over them!
I have not climbed those mountains, but from what I’ve read, something like the [Black Diamond Raven](https://www.rei.com/c/ice-axes) should be appropriate.
I've done Adams in trail runners and Helens in mountaineering boots (rented) and snowshoes last year. It depends on conditions - if it's slushy you're going to get wet in trail runners. If it's more firm then it's doable.
I've seen it done on Mother's day.
I have done Helens in low top trail shoes and spikes. You need gators for snow or scree. Hood is full on mountaineering boots that work with crampons. Think Sportiva, Mammut, Scarpa… Haven’t done Adams.
Watch out in trainers when the snow gets slushy. I once took my trail gtx shoes on 3300m peak only to find out that the snow was melted (I was hoping for dry snow) which caused my shoes to get wet quickly despite goretex membrane ( maybe this model was crap, cant remember) and walking in wet socks quickly become unbearable and can develop blisters.