Mt. Washington, although not a tall mountain provides for great alpine rock with a minimal approach and some great exposure. The summit has excellent views of the Sisters complex to the Southeast and of Mt. Jefferson and Three Fingered Jack to the North. The easiest and most popular route is up the north ridge.

Getting There

Follow U.S. Highway 20-126 to the Hoodoo Ski Bowl and Big Lake turnoff on Santiam Pass. Turn south off U.S. 20-126 toward Hoodoo Ski Bowl on USFS 2690. Follow USFS 2690 4.2 miles to the Patjens Lake trailhead on the west side of Big Lake.

Follow an unmarked trail along the lake for two or three minutes, to a junction with a second trail called the Patjens Lake Trail. Continue around Big Lake until the trail leaves the shoreline. At an obvious junction, turn left (east). (Continuing straight will lead away from Mt. Washington to Patjens Lake.) Head east for about five minutes. Several spur trails will join the trail from the west, but continue east until the trail splits. Take the right fork for two or three minutes to a clearing with a pile of dead logs on its south side. (The left fork continues around the east side of Big Lake). Turn right (south) in the clearing and follow a wide trail for five minutes to its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Follow the PCT south for 30 minutes (or about one hour from the road head), to a climbers' trail which goes uphill to the east. The climbers' trail is usually marked by a cairn and is just after a large rock on the left side of the trail. If you reach Coldwater Spring, the only year-round water source on this section of the PCT, you have missed the climbers' trail and hiked about 10 minutes too far. About 150 feet after leaving the PCT, the climbers' trail splits. The right fork can be used for gaining the west ridge or routes on the south face. The left fork travels up and gains the North Ridge.

To more easily gain climbs on the east side of the mountain follow US 20-126 to the Big Lake turnoff as before. Turn south on USFS 2690 and drive about 3 miles. Turn left (east) on USFS 811 and follow a rough dirt road 3 miles to Hortense Lake. Follow a trail south for about 2 miles to Cache Creek. Leave the trail and travel cross country up Cache Creek and through meadows above to the east side.

For alternative access to the North and West side routes, follow the road to Big Lake, but turn left on road 500 (sign for PCT trailhead) and go .5 miles. Ample parking right at the trailhead with no NW Forest Pass required, as well as easy, free, primitive camping (no water or facilities, but water and toilets can be found at the Big Lake campground). Follow the PCT south for 2 miles where the Big Lake trail merges from the right. Continue on PCT for 1.5 miles to a cairn marking access to the climbers trail on the left (see other directions).

Red Tape

Mt. Washington is in the Mt. Washington Wilderness area which means that a wilderness permit is required. This is obtainable for free from the trailhead.

When To Climb

The mountain is most climbed after the snow has receded from the PCT usually in June up until late September.

Camping

There is no water available except at coldwater springs which is about 10 minutes past where the climbers trail joins the PCT. Camping is allowed in the wilderness area as well as at the trailhead for free. Many 4WD enthusiasts use the trailhead camp areas so beware.

Mountain Conditions

For conditions, you can contact the McKenzie Ranger District.

57600 McKenzie Hwy
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
(541) 822-3381

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