Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
Nope, this is not the one in Oregon! Yet another NW peak with a not-so-creative-name, Mt. Washington is a popular beginners climb fairly close to home. This climb can be combined into a longer day with a traverse of nearby Mt. Ellinor, another popular Mazama route.
Activity Notes
This is a super fun day hike/scramble on the less visited east side of the Olympic Peninsula. Located just north of Mt. Elinor, a popular early season climb, Mt. Washington's rocky summit offers views of Lake Cushman and into the east side of Olympic National Park.
This is an annual climb that is combined with the options of three nights of camping at Big Creek Campground (Olympic National Forest), a short hike in nearby Olympic National Park Sunday morning and the best lunch ever at the near by Hama Hama Oyster Saloon. None of these extra options are required and will not factor into climber selection. But they are highly recommended for the full weekend experience!
As we climb, we acknowledge the people that were here before us. Eight tribes have traditional associations to lands now in Olympic National Park: Hoh, Jamestown S'Klallam, Elwha Klallam, Makah, Port Gamble S'Klallam, Quileute, Quinault and Skokomish. To learn more about the tribes of the Olympic Peninsula please visit: https://www.nps.gov/olym/learn/the-people-of-the-olympic-peninsula.htm
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 160 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 3 hours |
| General Route Info | Olympic National Forest Headquarters 360-956-2402 summitpost https://www.summitpost.org/mount-washington/760059 mountain forecast https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Ellinor/forecasts/1812 The “other” Mt. Washington, this nice peak with the dull name is located in the southeast part of the Olympic Mountains on the Olympic Peninsula. It is the highest point on the rocky ridge overlooking Lake Cushman from the north. It was named for its resemblance to George Washington’s profile. The chin is the summit! The east ridge is a slightly more technical route then the standard north ridge. Can be combined with a traverse to nearby Mount Ellinor for a longer day with more technical terrain. A Hood Canal seafood fest awaits the returning climb team. |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
| Relevant Books | Climber's Guide to the Olympic Mountains (3rd Edition) |
| Relevant Maps | USGS/Green Trails: The Brothers, Olympic Custom Correct: Mt. Skokomish-Lake Cushman Google map https://goo.gl/maps/taGkUcHDzMm |
| Useful Links | GPS Track GPS Coordinates Map |
