If you're in shape, it's best done in a day from the Cold Springs road head (5-6 a.m. start should get you on top in mid afternoon when the snow is corning up nicely). The final summit slopes are often icy crud, but the drop off of the false summit down the south ridge is sweet in the spring. Try the South West Chutes for a longer, steeper line that often stays smooth into early summer. This adds about 3 miles easy hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail.

These pictures were taken on a descent of the South Ridge on Memorial Day, 1992, and a perfect early summer day in in the SW Chutes in the late 90s.

SW Chutes I

Mt Adams Summit