Mount Constance/South Chute

getting there

Head east on the Dosewallips River Road from US-101. It's about  9 miles to the trailhead where the road is washed out (600 ft).

APPROACH

Walk the road to the primitive Lake Constance Trail. Hike up the trail 2 miles and 3,350 feet of elevation gain to the lake (4,650 ft) where you'll find the best camping.

ASCENT ROUTE

Follow aptly named Avalanche Canyon north for 0.6 mile from the lake. Climb east up the broad South Chute, gaining 1,200 feet, to the notch of the low point in the South Ridge. Cross to the east side and traverse north for 200 yards. Ascend a broad scree gully system to obvious notch in a minor east-west ridge. Pass through notch and descend a short distance to a scree or snow ledge. Contour north 0.25 mile, across heather or snow slopes, gullies, and finally a steep cirque. Then, climb an ascending ledge, past a rock outcropping to open slopes just southeast of the summit. The 60-foot high summit block is climbed on the north side.

DESCENT ROUTE

Descend the climbing route.

TRIP PROFILE

EQUIPMENT

Ice axe and crampons.

NOTES

• Check with the land manager about camping quotas and restrictions.
• Beware of serious early season avalanche exposure in Avalanche Canyon and on the South Chute.
• A strenuous, interesting, and beautiful alpine climb.
• It's a long summit day. Some may want a third day.

• Suitable Activities: Climbing
• Climbing Category: Basic Alpine
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Basic Alpine Climb, Strenuous 4, Technical 3
• Elevation Gain: 7,300 ft
• High Point: 7,743 ft

• Land Manager: Olympic National Park
  Olympic Wilderness
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12