Mount Olympus is the highest peak in the Olympic Mountain Range of Western Washington. Despite it's relatively low altitude, Olympus is heavily glaciated due to it's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Precipitation in the nearby Hoh Rain Forest ranges from 140 to 167 inches--12 to 14 feet--every year, which translates into a lot of snowfall on Olympus, thus maintaining large accumulations of ice such as the Blue Glacier.

Located in the center of Olympic National Park, Mount Olympus is also quite remote, and requires a 1 day hike just to reach it's base. The "standard" route is approached via the Hoh River Trail, a 17-mile each-way excursion through one of the wettest places on earth. From the base camp at Glacier Meadows, the route is a straightforward glacier climb with moderate crevasse danger. Rope, Crampons, ice axe and crevasse rescue gear (not to mention knowledge on how to use them) are prerequisites.

Getting There

From Seattle, drive North to Edmonds and take the ferry to Kingston.
Cross Hood Canal Bridge to Highway 101 (Pacific Coast Highway) and follow this to the Hoh River Entrance to Olympic National Park south of the town of Forks. Park at the Visitor's Center. One-way trip from Seattle (under normal ferry conditions) is about 5 hours.

To avoid potentially long ferry lines, an alternate route from Seattle is to drive South to Olympia, and follow Highway 101 North.

Red Tape

Bring your wallet -- This is a National Park. $5 to register for a permit to camp overnight in the wilderness (for groups up to 12 people), plus $2 per person per night.
There is no nightly charge for youth 16 years of age and under.

Annual passes are available for frequent visitors for $30; $15 for each additional household member. Discounts associated with Golden Age and Golden Access Cards apply.

When To Climb

Mid-late summer is best.

Camping

Several good camping areas exist along the Hoh River Trail, some having shelters. See the Red Tape section for fees. Bring a line for hanging food--bears are quite common.
"Base camp" for most climbs is at Glacier Meadows, located near the terminus of the Blue Glacier, 17 miles from the trailhead.

Mountain Conditions

The most up-to-date and accurate weather information can be found on the NOAA Weather site

Miscellaneous Info

Need a shower?: After hiking out the Town Motel in Forks (left side of road heading into Forks) allows showers for $3.00. Soap, shampoo and towel are included. According to their card they are 1 half mile south of downtown Forks on HW 101. (Submitted by Haliku)

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