OverviewWithin the Mount Skokomish Wilderness in the far southeast corner of the Olympic Mountains, the topography is crowned with a trio of rocky peaks that surround the headwaters of Jefferson Creek and the Lake Ellinor cirque. These peaks are part of the outer Olympic basaltic horseshoe which characterizes much of the eastern front range. As two of these are more easily accessed, Mount Ellinor and Mount Washington see far more visitors than does the slightly obscure Mount Pershing. Though connected by a long ridge, Pershing is certainly the outpost of the three; it is a full two miles to the north of Mount Ellinor, tucked deeper within the labyrinth of logging roads, and characterized by approaches that are more challenging.
From the Puget Sound lowlands Mount Washington appears most prominent on the left Olympic skyline and Mount Pershing can easily be overlooked by the casual observer; it appears somewhat dimunitive even though it rises only 100ft shy of Mount Washington.
 Summit view of Mounts Washington and Ellinor
The Pershing massif divides Jefferson Creek from the Hamma Hamma River and consists of three main peaks in a south to north alignment. The south peak is the true summit at 6154ft(1876m), the middle peak rises to 5871ft(1791m), and the north peak is at 5600ft(1707m). Mount Ben, which is on the south ridge, can be considered another distinct peak on the massif and checks in at 5650ft.
As a vantage point, the summit allows for unobstructed views of the Sawtooth Ridge, Mounts Skokomish, Stone, Washington, Ellinor, and down to Jefferson Peak. Also, Mounts Olympus and Anderson, the entire eastern front range, Puget Sound, and the many peaks on the Cascade skyline can be seen.
The mountain was named for General John Pershing, the commander of the American Expeditionary Force in Europe during WWI. The first ascent was in 1939 by Don Dooley, Robert Henderson, Walt Ingalls, and Bob Mandelhorn on a day in which all three summits were attained.ClimbingThere are numerous established routes to the summits of Mount Pershing which emanate primarily from the Hamma Hamma River road or from FR2401 in the Jefferson Creek drainage. Most of these are class 3 scrambles but some class 4 sections may be encountered. As a general rule, the routes leaving from FR2401 converge on the south ridge just below the summit. From this spot, the final section above consists of a short knife-edge rock that is really very exposed; one can see a long way down on either side. If one does not find this unnerving then it is no big deal and easily traversed. The routes ascending from the Hamma Hamma side provide access to the middle and north peaks as well as additional routes the the true summit. The climb can be completed in a single day but start early. From either the Hamma Hamma or the Jefferson Creek side, difficult terrain consisting of thick brush is very common. In the winter and spring, beware of potential avalanche conditions on the steep snow slopes. I cannot speak on the specifics of the various routes as I have completed but one. If needed, consult the Olympic Mountains Climbing Guide for detailed information. Otherwise(usually my preference), gather general information, then go out and have an adventure full of exploring and mystery. 
Summit view northeast |
Red TapeMount Pershing lies within the Mount Skokomish Wilderness which is managed by the Forest Service so there is not much to speak of. One route does leave from the Mildred Lakes trailhead which will require a valid Northwest Forest Pass. In the backcountry, leave-no-trace wilderness ethics apply.CampingThere is not much to speak of for established camping in the vicinity. One option would be to car camp if wanting to make an early start off FR2401 or the Hamma Hamma River road. Also, there are a couple of National Forest campgrounds back toward Lena Creek on the Hamma Hamma. As for backcountry camping, the best option would be around Lake Ellinor. The lake is picturesque and one is unlikely to encounter another person here. The cirque can be accessed via Jefferson Creek off FR2401 or by a traverse of the Ellinor-Washington ridge down into the valley.  Glacier lillies on Pershing Getting ThereAccess the Mount Pershing area from Highway 101 on the Hood Canal. If approaching from the Hamma Hamma River road, it can be accessed directly off of the highway. If making the Jefferson Creek approach, turn onto the Jorstad Creek Road from Highway 101 two miles south of Eldon. The road becomes FR24 after a quarter mile. At two miles take the right fork which is FR2480. At 6.5 miles from US 101 take the left fork which is FR2401(Jefferson Creek road). After three miles bear right at the junction with FR2441. Continue on FR2401 past Jefferson Lakes and past the junction with FR100 to a sharp bend in the road near the creek. Routes depart from both sides of the creek. Images
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