Mount Washington is the highest point on the rocky ridge looming above Lake Cushman, located in the extreme southeast portion of the Olympic Mountains. It takes its name from the fact that its profile resembles a side portrait of the first president George Washington. This may sound rather silly, but indeed, the resemblence is there with the summit being the chin.

It is connected by a ridge to Mount Ellinor, its nearest neighbor, a little more than a mile to the southwest. Both peaks are composed of rock from the outer Olympic basaltic horseshoe and from the vantage of Mount Ellinor and many points along the connecting ridge, the tilted basalt strata of Mount Washington is conspicuous and educational.

The summit of the mountain represents the boundary dividing the Mount Skokomish Wilderness to the west from the logging exploits to the east, both under the jurisdiction of the Olympic National Forest. In the formative years of Olympic National Park and of the park service itself, the vast lands of the Hamma Hamma River valley and the sharp peaks of the southeast range were prized not for their splendid alpine topography and the primordial beauty of the surrounding forests, but primarily for the board/feet to be extracted from these forests. As such, Mount Washington was never included in Olympic National Park and only its western slopes were to be designated as wilderness. But the arbitrary omissions of the past simply do not correspond to the rugged beauty of the peak.

From the Puget Sound lowlands, it is the most striking peak on the left Olympic skyline with Mount Ellinor immediately to the left and Mount Pershing to the right. With the summit a mere eight miles from the saltwater of Hood Canal and logging roads that skirt right up to the mountain, it a most accessible peak. This fact is not lost on the multitudes who make this one of the more popular climbs in the range, much like Mount Ellinor; on a nice summer weekend day expect to see many others on the slopes.

Mount Washington from Jefferson Peak

Climbing and Access

Mount Washington offers a dozen or more routes to the summit ranging from several class 3 routes to a class 5 rock climb. The rock quality is generally sound and snow on the slopes makes for a more pleasing ascent.

The majority of climbers ascend via the south slope (route 1 in CGOM) from the Big Creek road; the way trail leaves the road just beyond the Mount Ellinor turnoff and just before crossing Big Creek. The other routes on the east side of the mountain are accessed a bit further up the Big Creek road (FR2419) a bit beyond the creek crossing. This includes the southeast ridge which is a 5.7 rock climb.

All other routes are accessed via the Jefferson Creek road (FR2401). This includes the northeast ridge and northeast face routes which are both class 3, the north face routes and the "Great Groove" which are challenging class 4 routes, and several other class 3 routes further around the mountain toward the west.

Aside from complications due to snow on the approach roads, Mount Washington makes for a very feasible winter objective. If this is attempted, do be aware of avalanche conditions as this is a very real possibility and should be a foremost consideration.

Getting There

Mount Washington from Mount Ellinor

The main access for Mount Washington is via the Big Creek road (FR2419). To reach it from US101 on the Hood Canal, turn inland at the town of Hoodsport toward Lake Cushman. Follow the road to its end at a stopsign. This is the junction with FR24. Turn right and travel 1.5 miles to a junction with the Big Creek road (FR2419); turn left. The upper crossing of Big Creek is approximately 6.5 miles on this road, just past the junction with the road to Mount Ellinor.

If approaching via the Jefferson Creek road (FR2401), 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 to where these routes depart near the junction with FR100.

Red Tape

There are no parking restrictions unless you park at the Mount Ellinor trailhead for a traverse to Mount Washington; this would require a valid Northwest Forest Pass. Otherwise, practice Leave-No-Trace wilderness ethics if travelling through the Mount Skokomish Wilderness on the west side of the mountain in the Jefferson Creek area.

Camping

This is generally done as a day-climb and there is no established camping in the vicinity. Car camping is an option if wanting to make an early start.

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