Approach
Drive to the ghost town of Duquesne, which is located on Forest Road 61 about a mile south of the intersection of Forest Roads 49 and 61.
Route Description
From the town of Duquesne at 5,300', follow a primitive road southwest to the abandoned Santo Nino Mine at 6,000'. The road continues up to a tunnel at about 6,250', where it ends. Jeeps and other 4WD vehicles may be able to drive up to here. From the end of the road, bushwhack southwest up through the trees to the summit of Mount Washington about a mile away. This route avoids all the ups-and-downs on the North Ridge, but there is no trail. However, the route isn't very difficult.
Hiking Distance: About 8 miles round trip from Duquesne.
Elevation Gain: About 1,950'.