Thanks to a friend's very capable vehicle, we were able to drive up FR 23 on the west side of Mt Adams as far as the turnoff where you turn right to continue to drive to the Stagman Ridge trailhead. This included driving over a ~10" log on the road, which was gone when we came down. We put our snowshoes on and headed up the side road. After about two miles we were below the actual trailhead so turned right and headed crosscountry straight uphill. It was open at first, but the trees got thicker and there was a bit of branch bashing just before reaching the summer trailhead. We continued up to the Grassy Hill area, where we had a nice lunch break next to a large black rock. It was sunny, zero wind, and zero other people. I think this is probably the highest I've been on Mt Adams in January, thanks to all the rain making the road marginally passable. My Subaru would not have had the clearance to get over that log.
Stagman Ridge
Re: Stagman Ridge
At the elevation where you donned snowshoes, I found the west side of Hood completely bare. But I did share your nice weather. Slightly chilly morning, but once I was in the sun it was pleasant.
Re: Stagman Ridge
Since we got on the trail at the very civilized hour of about 10:30, we didn't have to wait for the sun.
The Gorge is snowfree at that altitude, and I just maybe the south side of Adams is too.
The Gorge is snowfree at that altitude, and I just maybe the south side of Adams is too.