OverviewMount Cruiser is the highest summit of the Sawtooth range, which is a sub-range of the Olympic Mountains on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. Rising due east of Flapjack Lakes Mount Cruiser is probably one of the best classic climbs of the Olympic Mountains & may be the best rock climb in the area. There is no scrambling route to the summit with the easiest route being a technical rock climb rated at 5.0, however, rock is considered solid by Olympic Mountains standards. For the more extreme climbers there are routes that are much more technical. There is extreme exposure on all climbs up Mount Cruiser with exposed 4th class on the approach. There is also a snow gully on the approach, which will require crampons & Ice axe to safely travel most of the year. Very late season it may be possible to keep in the moat, however, you may still be wishing for an ice axe to sink into the nearby snow.
Getting ThereFrom US Highway 101 at Hoodsport, WA., Drive west on Lake Cushman RD (Forest RD 44) to Forest RD 24. Follow Forest RD 24 west along the north shore of Lake Cushman to the it's end at Staircase Rangers Station.
Red TapeMt. Cruiser although not officially part of Olympic National Park will require permits if using any of the National Park such as trailhead, base camps, etc. This is a limited use area so reservations are a good idea, however, 50% of overnight permits are available on a first come first served basis. For current regulations and possible openings call Olympic National Park.
Olympic Nat Park HQ: 360-452-4501
Staircase Ranger Station: 360-877-5569
Permit & Regulations Web Info
When To ClimbThe earlier in the season the more snow to contend with, however, this may also reduce the amount of rockfall, which is plentiful on the approach. Use of helmets strongly advised.
CampingCar camping is available near the trailhead.
Possible basecamps for Mt. Cruiser include.
Flapjack Lakes
Black & White Lakes
Mildred Lakes
Various trailside camps on the approach
Discrete Bivys
Mountain ConditionsCurrent ConditionsMap InfoMap: USGS 7 ½ minute series, Mt. Steel, Green Trails #167
Possible National Park Fees$10.00 park entry fee good for 7 days.
$5.00 group fee.
$2.00 per night
Flapjack Lakes is a limited use area so reservations are a good idea, however, there are a limited number of overnight permits available on a first come basis. For current regulations and possible openings call Olympic National Park.
Olympic Nat Park HQ: 360-452-4501
Staircase Ranger Station: 360-877-5569
Gear List (Partial)Camping Gear for 2 -3 Days
Food & Water 2-3 Days (Water available at Flapjack Lakes)
2 -50 Meter Ropes
Full set nuts
#3 Camalot
8 Slings
Webbing, Quick Links/Rap Rings (For Rappels)
Helmet
Ice Axe & Crampons
Harness
2 Locking Biners
Cordlette
External Links Images
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