Mount Ellinor & Mount Washington

getting there

From US-101 in Hoodsport, turn west onto  SR-119 (North Lake Cushman Road) and drive 9.4 miles to a "T" intersection. Turn  right on Forest Road 24 and in 1.5 miles, turn left on Forest Road 2419.

• Mount Ellinor Lower Trailhead: Continue on Forest Road 2419 for 4.4 miles to the small parking lot and the Mount Ellinor lower trailhead (2,800 ft).
• Mount Ellinor Upper Trailhead: Continue on Forest Road 2419 for 6.2 miles (1.8 miles past the lower trailhead), turn left onto Forest Road 2419-014, and continue 1 mile to the Mount Ellinor upper trailhead (3,500 ft).
• Mount Washington: Continue on Forest Road 2419 for 6.6 miles to the end of the road and the Mount Washington trailhead (3,026 ft).

approach & ascent

Mount Ellinor/Route 1 (5,920 ft)

scramble/basic alpine climb

3.6-6.4 miles round trip, 2,500-3,200 feet of elevation gain

From the upper trailhead, Mount Ellinor is a scramble of 4 miles round trip with 3,200 feet of gain. The lower trailhead adds 3.0 miles round trip and 900 feet of elevation gain. It is best done on snow in winter or early spring roughly following the route of the summer trail.

Mount Ellinor via Big Creek (5,920 ft)

scramble/basic alpine climb

12.8 miles round trip, 5,050 feet of elevation gain

In winter with snow-covered roads, it may be best to approach from Big Creek.

Mount Washington/Standard Route (6,255 ft)

scramble/basic alpine climb

4.0 miles round trip, 3,200 feet of elevation gain

Look for an unmarked trail leading westerly through the forest. The trail passes through the forest to a steep scree slope and eventually reaches an open basin at 4,500 ft. Past the meadows continue ascending on the left hand side of the rock gully, watch for rockfall and put those helmets on especially if there is another group above you. Once you have ascended the gully, gain the ridgeline and look for the peak to your right (northeast). The route ascends up and around to the right side heading northeast. The standard south rate, also known as Route 1, is rated Grade I, Class 3, and is the least technical way up Mount Washington.

Washington-Ellinor Traverse

scramble/basic alpine climb

8.0 miles round trip, 3,800 feet of elevation gain

It's best to climb  Mount Washington first and then travel the ridge southwest to Mount Ellinor.

mount washington/east ridge

Basic Rock Climb

4.0 miles round trip, 3,190 feet of elevation gain

This climb is Route 4 (East Ridge) in Olympic Mountains: A Climbing Guide. Start by ascending climber's path on standard route up Mount Washington. At the top of the small meadow at about 4,000 ft, before reaching the gully on Route 1, leave the trail and ascend right and up (north) to large basin below the East Ridge. Continue to the saddle between the lower and upper ridges. Climb Class 3 and 4 rock on ridge crest to a notch. Do a short rappel into the notch. Climb one more Class 4 pitch to the summit. Descend via the standard route (above).

Mount washington/winter direct

intermediate Ice climb

6.0 miles round trip, 3.500 feet of elevation gain

INFORMATION FOR leaders

Scheduling & Permits

• If you're planning a day hike, please use the Mount Ellinor route/place.

• Suitable Activities: Climbing, Scrambling
• Climbing Category: Basic Alpine
• Seasons: January, February, March, April, May, December
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Technical 3, Strenuous 3, Basic Alpine Climb, Basic Rock Climb, Intermediate Ice Climb
• Length: 6.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 3,200 ft
• High Point: 5,920 ft

• Land Manager: Olympic National Forest
  Mount Skokomish Wilderness, Hood Canal Ranger District (ONF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12