One of a handful of alpine rock routes in OR, this is a fairly easy day climb - one short pitch of easy 5th class rock then a scramble to the top. Combine with Three Fingered Jack for an alpine rock weekend. A rappel on the descent is required. Duct taping your boot tops is recommended for the scree descent. If approaching from the west side campgrounds at Big Lake, the maze of trail crossings near the trailhead can be tricky - pay attention on the way in and perhaps mark the right path for the hike out! Enjoy a swim in Big Lake when you are done, and try out the occasionally amazing echo with a yell across the lake at night.

Activity Notes

We will approach Mt. Washington via the PCT from Big Lake.  The first 3.5 miles will be on the PCT, and then we will take a climbers trail heading east to the North Ridge of Mt. Washington.  We will rope up at the saddle for the fifth class pitch and set up fixed lines to the top (3 pitches total).  Be prepared for loose rock and scree, party induced rockfall is a hazard.  While the rock climbing is easy on this, the overall climb is definitely a notch harder/riskier than that of other easy alpine rock climbs. I will be looking for some experience on other alpine rock climbs before selecting anyone as a team member.

Distance is ~11 miles, elevation gain is ~ 3200 feet.  Be prepared to hike 3-4 miles per hour on the PCT, and 1000 feet/hour on the climb.  A Northwest Forest Pass is needed to park at the trailhead. 

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 140 miles
Driving Time from Portland 2 hours
General Route Info summitpost https://www.summitpost.org/mount-washington-oregon/150570 mountain forecast https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Washington-3/forecasts/2376 erics base camp trip report http://ericsbasecamp.net/trips/Washington/Washington.htm
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Relevant Books Oregon High by Jeff Thomas Summit Guide to the Cascade Volcanoes, by Jeff Smoot
Relevant Maps USGS 7.5 minute series, Mt. Washington, and Geo-Graphics, Mt. Washington Google map https://goo.gl/maps/yKYhj5khyFT2
Awards Qualified 16 Major NW Peaks, Seven Oregon Cascades Peaks
FIND AN UPCOMING ACTIVITY ON THE Calendar