CUSTOM Programs
CLIMB MT. OLYMPUS
[Sunh-a-do]
Olympic National Park, WA | 5 days | June-Sept
Crown jewel of the Olympic Mountains.
Mount Olympus [Sunh-a-do] 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 17.5 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 short pitch of rock on the summit block.
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Climbing the summit block on Mt. Olympus.
Why climb Mt. Olympus with Pacific Alpine Guides?
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2:1 Max Ratio
While some guide services may offer a cheaper trip, they do this by operating at higher ratios. This route has changed significantly in recent years due to climate change and is more technically demanding than it used to be, especially later in the season. We believe that keeping the max ratio at 2:1 greatly improves safety and enjoyment on summit day.
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Pro Guides
Our guides all have many years of experience, hundreds of days in the mountains, and AMGA training and/or certification up to the IFMGA level. This is not a summer job but a profession. Our guides are also awesome humans you want to hang out with.
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Local Knowledge
For many years we were the only mountain guide service based on the Olympic Peninsula. Our company has a special connection to this place.
ITINERARY | the flow
TRIP LENGTH
Our standard program is 5 days. A 4 day custom trip is also possible, however note that this is quite physically demanding and recommended only for very fit groups. 5 days is a much more enjoyable pace.
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DAY 1 – TRAILHEAD TO LEWIS MEADOWS
We meet at the Overnight Parking Lot of the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center for introductions and a quick gear check. On this first day we cover 10 miles of gradual terrain along the Hoh River, hiking through lush temperate rainforest.
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DAY 2 – LEWIS MEADOWS TO GLACIER MEADOWS
The Hoh River Trail’s gradual incline becomes a steady ascent, gaining over 3000’ in 7 miles to Glacier Meadows. We arrive in the afternoon and set up camp in the forest along a creek. We review mountaineering skills needed for the climb ahead, make final preparations, and head for bed early.
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DAY 3 – SUMMIT DAY ON MT. OLYMPUS
With an early start, we eat breakfast and set off on the climb. After two days of carrying bigger loads, it’s nice to be moving with lighter packs. The route follows a lateral moraine before crossing to the other side of the Blue Glacier. Here we ascend a feature called the Snow Dome, cresting a broad plateau at 6600’. From this point we have an excellent view of our objective, the West Peak, but getting there can be somewhat circuitous. Depending on conditions we’ll use one of a couple variations, the standard ascending 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. Summit day is long - expect a 10-13+ hour day.
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DAY 4 – GLACIER MEADOWS TO LEWIS MEADOWS
In the morning we take a scenic walk to the Blue Glacier terminus. With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, more precipitation falls on this glacier than any other in the lower 48 United States. We pack up our camp and descend to the Olympus Guard Station.
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DAY 5 – OLYMPUS GUARD TO THE TRAILHEAD
We hike out the remaining 9 miles along the Hoh River, arriving back at the parking lot by early afternoon.
DETAILS | the logistics
REQUIREMENTS
Previous mountaineering experience is recommended. Other beneficial experience includes backpacking and rock climbing.
This trip involves:
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Roped travel on crevassed, glaciated terrain
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Climbing on steep snow slopes using an ice axe and crampons
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Class 4 and easy 5th class rock climbing on exposed alpine terrain
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Lowering and/or rappelling
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A 10-13 hour, strenuous summit day
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Excellent physical fitness is required for mountaineering. You should be able to hike/climb for 1-2 hours at a stretch, taking 10 minute breaks, for up to 14 hours. You should be able to ascend 3,000′ vertical feet in a day carrying 50 lbs on your back, and 5,000′ in a day carrying 30 lbs on your back.
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Physical conditioning should not be underestimated – mountaineering is a strenuous activity.
RATIO
To maximize safety and enjoyment on summit day, we guide Mt. Olympus at a 2:1 max ratio.
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COST INCLUDES
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Guiding and instruction at a 2:1 max ratio
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Group equipment: tents, ropes, stove, fuel, etc.
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Overnight permit costs
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Use of bear cans
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NOT INCLUDED
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Personal equipment and food
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Park entrance fees
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Transportation to/from the trailhead
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WHERE TO MEET
Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center Overnight Parking Lot
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PRE-TRIP INFO
Information on gear, food, packing, travel and accommodations can be found here: Preparing For Your Climb
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Equipment: Mt. Olympus Gear List PDF
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CLIMB MT. OLYMPUS
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We guide Mt. Olympus on a custom basis only.
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CUSTOM DATES
Custom climbs are available for private groups and individuals. Please contact us for more info and availability.
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COST
Starting at $1875
MT OLYMPUS TOPO MAP
Click on the stars for key locations.
Zoom out to see trailhead and camp locations.