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Home of majestic mountain goats and ravenous chipmunks, Mt Ellinor is an easier, lower elevation peak with modest elevation gain. A good beginner climb, with a bit of snow and some rock scrambling. It's in the Olympic range near Puget Sound.
This peak is it fairly easy car to car in a day outing, and it's relatively close to Portland. The route ascends moderate snow slopes, which can be a nice glissade back down in early season. An excellent trip for beginning climbers to work on your snow technique.
Activity Notes
Join us for a fun climb with a panoramic view. Fingers crossed for decent weather and clear skies. This is a great climb for 2026 BCEP grads, though everyone is welcome as long as they bring good vibes and interest in the Olympics :)
Mt Ellinor is a peak in the Olympic Mountains of Washington. It is located in an area designated as the Mt Skokomish Wilderness. We will start at the lower Trailhead which makes this a 3500 feet of gain and approximately 6.5 miles round trip.
While this is one of the shorter climbs, do not underestimate the challenge. Come prepared for a long day, a steep ascent, and a not so knee-friendly down hill. We will be watching the weather closely. The current plan is to climb via the winter route and bring ice axes as well as crampons, though we might reevaluate based on the weather and pivot to the summer route for the summit if that seems more appropriate.
You can drive up from Portland in the morning (3+ hours, not recommended), or join us the night before at Big Creek Campground (first-come-first-served). I'll be heading there early on Friday and would be happy to help secure you as spot if that's desired.
What happens after you apply?
Application close on May 2nd. Afterwards the leader will review all applications and make a decision on the climb team. Your status will show as "Awaiting Approval".
Status: Accepted? Congrats! The adventure awaits :) (Note: If something gets in the way, please notify the leader immediately so other climbers can have your spot.)<br> A mandatory Zoom Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12th to discuss the details.
Status: Waitlisted? Unfortunately, the climb is full. However, if someone would be to cancel, you are the first in line.
Status: Not selected? Unfortunately, the climb is full. I hope to climb with you next time!
Status: Canceled? The climb got canceled, often due to weather, the leader being unavailable, etc.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 165 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 4 hours |
| General Route Info | summitpost: https://www.summitpost.org/mt-ellinor/151552 peakbagger: http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=1049 Olympic NF, Hood Canal Ranger District 360-877-5254 |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
| Interesting Features | Lake(s), Mountain Views |
| Relevant Books | Climbers Guide to the Olympic Mountains (3rd Edition) 75 Scrambles in Washington by Peggy Goldman |
| Relevant Maps | Olympic Custom Correct: Mt. Skokomish-Lake Cushman Green Trails: The Brothers Google map https://goo.gl/maps/gPvTv2bFynx |
| Useful Links | GPS Track GPS Coordinates Map |