Warrior Peak/Southeast Summit

getting there

From US-101 near Sequim Bay State Park, turn west onto Luella Road  and then left onto Palo Alto Road. In 6 miles, turn right onto Forest Road  2880 and then turn left onto Forest Road 2870 in 1.7 miles. In 9 miles, reach the large parking area just past the Dungeness River Bridge (2,500 ft).

APPROACH

From the trailhead, the trail heads southwest 1 mile to the junction with the Royal Basin Trail. Take the left fork across a log bridge, passing Camp Handy (3,100 ft) at 3.2 mile, and arrive at the Boulder Shelter at 6.3 mi (4,950 ft).

ASCENT ROUTE

From Boulder Shelter, hike south 2+ mile on Dungeness Trail. Leave the trail before crossing a major stream flowing from Warrior/Inner Constance cirque. Climb east through steep forest, then steep open meadow, then talus, staying north of the stream bed (~4,750 ft). At ~6,200 ft, reach a flat saddle just under the twin peaks of Warrior Peak. Follow the prominent couloir north-northeast to a saddle (~7,000 ft). The couloir may be filled with snow until late in the season and can be icy in cold weather. The higher peak (to the southeast) is to the right. Climb steep snow and then rock, on its northwest side. The first 20-50 feet (depending on snow level) of rock is difficult, and the rock is poor quality. A short scramble leads to the summit and glorious views of the seldom visited north face of Mount Constance.

DESCENT ROUTE

Descend the climbing route.

TRIP PROFILE

EQUIPMENT

One rope for the party; ice axe and crampons in cold weather.

NOTES

• An alternate approach (scenic but longer) is via the Upper Big Quilcene Trail to Marmot Pass, then down to Boulder Shelter (6.7 mi). A first rate alpine experience in a beautiful area.
• Our Olympic Mountain: A Climbing Guide rates this climbs Class 3, but the rock above the 7,000 ft saddle is closer to Class 4. Plan to use a rope here for one short pitch. A single light rope should be enough.
• Rockfall is a hazard in the gully between the south and north peaks of Warrior Peak. Keep the party together.

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

• Difficulty: Basic Alpine Climb, Strenuous 2, Technical 2
• Length: 18.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 5,000 ft
• High Point: 7,300 ft

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