Mt. Washington, with Mt. Ellinor, forms a very prominent massif on the southern border of the Olympic Mountains. It is the southern most of the outstanding peaks visible from Puget Sound. From the north, one can make out the profile of George Washington with the main summit being the chin and the lesser on being the nose. On a clear day it provides an excellent vantage for views into the interior of Olympic National Park, including Mt. Olympus. To the east, barring excessive haze, one has a panoramic view to include 5 volcanoes: St. Helens, Adams, Glacier Peak, and Baker. One can also see the buildings comprising downtown Seattle.

The rock is almost entirely composed of pillow basalt of reasonably sound quality but providing relatively poor placement for protection. Most routes, however, are between class 2 and 4. The easiest route, which goes through Big Creek Basin, requires very little scrambling, but does give some considerable exposure near the summit. Take a rope along and you will find excellent opportunities for top-roping.

Mt. Washington is an excellent peak to introduce someone to alpine scrambling and mountaineering in general. While the exposure in a few spots can be deadly, it is easily negotiable. Still, good judgment must be exercised, as fatalities have occurred on this peak. For the newby, don't shy away from a belay on the exposed parts.

Getting There

Take US 101 to Hoodsport. Follow a NFS sign that directs you to the Lake Cushman area via High 119. Just as you turn, you will pass the Hoodsport Ranger Station on the right. Stay on this road until it comes to a stop sign at the junction with FS Road 24. Turn right here. Follow the sign sign to Mt. Ellinor.

Turn left on FS Road 2419 (still following signs to Mt. Ellinor) and stay on this road. Pass the Lower Trailhead to Mt. Ellinor. shortly after passing FS Road 014 (to the Upper Trailhead for Mt. Ellinor) your will see a parking area [with boulders] on the right. If you've gone around a sharp turn with a waterfall on the left, you've gone just a bit too far.

Find the trail just to the left of a hump right across the road from the parking area, start of Route 1A.

Red Tape

Since there are no official trails leading to Mt. Washington (only climbers paths), parking passes are not needed. Check with the Hoodsport Ranger Station (360-877-5254) if you plan on camping and having a campfire as burning bans may be in effect.

When To Climb

Expect winter conditions through April and even into May. May through October are generally the best times to climb. Expect some areas to have snow into July.

Camping

Since this is a day climb and the ascent can take as few as 2 hours, camping is generally not done on this mountain.

Wildlife

Mountain goats on Mt. Washington.

. Washington, along with Mt. Ellinor, is very popular with mountain goats. Cougars are also in the area. Once when I soloed it in June, I came down into Big Creek Basin and found numerous cougar tracks that were not there on my way up. Apparently, the animal was aware of me, but I was unaware of it.

Mountain Conditions

For mountain conditions and other info contact the Hood Canal Ranger District:

Hood Canal District
295142 Highway 101 S. - P.O. Box 280
Quilcene, WA 98376
Contact: 360-765-2200

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday thru 12/22/07: 9:00 to 1:00

Holiday closures scheduled: Thanksgiving Day, 11/22;
Christmas, 12/25; and New Years Day, 1/1/2008

External Links

Some great pictures of the two peaks and a brief route statement.

Images



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