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| Backpack | 55.00 Miles |
3,700 AEG |
| | Backpack | 55.00 Miles | 5 Days | | |
| 3,700 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Mount Olympus is the highest peak in the Olympic Mountains, an impressive glaciated massif crowned by three summits, positioned in the heart of the range. Guarded by a 18 mile approach that begins at only 600’ above sea level, climbing Mount Olympus is a significant undertaking despite its modest 7980’ summit elevation. Summit day involves glacier travel, steep snow climbing, and finishes with a pitch of rock on the summit block.
DAY 1 – TRAILHEAD TO LEWIS MEADOWS
We met at the Overnight Parking Lot of the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center for introductions and a quick gear check. On this first day we covered 10 miles of gradual terrain along the Hoh River, hiking through lush temperate rainforest and spent night at Olympic Guard Station campground.
DAY 2 – LEWIS MEADOWS TO GLACIER MEADOWS
The Hoh River Trail’s gradual incline became a steady ascent, gaining over 3000’ in 7 miles to Glacier Meadows. We arrived in the afternoon and set up camp in the forest along a creek.
DAY 3 – REST DAY
Forecast called for rain and thunderstorms so we decided to have a rest day and climb the next day. We have day hiked to the top of the Blue Glacier lateral moraine for some spectacular views and head to bed early. Got up at 10pm to start our long summit day.
DAY 4 – SUMMIT DAY ON MT. OLYMPUS, GLACIER MEADOWS TO LEWIS MEADOWS
With an early start, we set off on the climb. The route follows a lateral moraine before crossing to the other side of the Blue Glacier. Here we ascended a feature called the Snow Dome, cresting a broad plateau at 6600’. From this point we had an excellent view of our objective, the West Peak, but getting there can be somewhat circuitous. The standard ascending route goes through Crystal Pass to the head of the Blue Glacier before wrapping around the false summit. From this point a steep snow slope leads us to the final pitch of rock and a short scramble takes us to the summit. Our summit bid was 16 hours. We have reached the summit at 7am and returned back to the Glacier Meadows camp at 2pm.
We packed up our camp and descended to the Olympus Guard Station, arriving at 9pm.
DAY 5 – OLYMPUS GUARD TO THE TRAILHEAD
We hiked out the remaining 9 miles along the Hoh River, arriving back at the parking lot around 11am. |
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