Summiting Mount Olympus is a difficult and rewarding endeavor, requiring a 17.5 mile approach and 5,000 feet of elevation gain. This is one of the longest approaches of any climb in Washington State. For this reason previous backpacking experience is required for this trip, but previous mountaineering experience is not. We will do this trip in four days, with one spare day in the event of weather. Journeying through the Hoh Rainforest past ancient old-growth trees, we follow the Hoh River into the heart of the Olympic Range and make camp in Glacier Meadows. From the toe of the Blue Glacier we do a long push to the summit, crossing moraine, glacier, ascending steep snow slopes, and scrambling up rock steps. Never will standing at 7,980 feet feel so rewarding. Take in unobstructed views of the Olympic Range in all directions before descending back to camp.

En route to base camp our professional guides will teach you how to become more efficient as a hiker and backpacker. This will include how to pack and adjust your pack, what gear to take and leave behind, and how to choose work to rest ratios that will allow you to cover a lot of ground without becoming too tired. Once at camp guides will help you perfect camp set-up, review Leave-No-Trace camping techniques, and provide camp cooking instruction as needed.

Although our time is limited due to the length of the approach we will cover basic snow walking techniques with and without crampons before the climb. It is very helpful if trip participants have previous experience using crampons, ice axes, and traveling on steep snow slopes prior to the climb to expedite these lessons. Confidence on fourth-class rock is necessary to reach the summit. Guides can use ropes to add security for this portion of the route, but comfort scrambling on steep rocky terrain will greatly speed the ascent and add a margin of safety.

Route: Hoh River Trail to Lewis Meadows, Glacier meadows, and summit via Crystal Pass route.

Camping sites: Lewis Meadows (1 night), Glacier Meadows (2 nights), Happy Four (1 night)

Important:Itinerary is subject to group speed, weather, and many other factors that influence the success of summiting Mount Olympus. There is time for a fifth day if needed in order to ensure a safe climb if any climb at all.