Overview  Mt Steel's eastern face from Mt Stone
 Mt Steel from near Home Sweet Home
Mount Steel is a majestic peak that guards the head of the Duckabush and North Fork of the Skokomish river valley's in the southeast Olympics. Overlooking it's domain, Steel towers above nameless lakes and countless waterfalls. A small glacier occupies it's northern flanks and dozens of waterfalls cascade down it's steep slopes. Home to Roosevelet Elk,Black Bear and other creatures, Mount Steel is relatively secluded from day hikers and backpackers. Mount Steel's closest neighbors includes 6250 foot Mount Duckabush and 6114 foot Mount Hopper. View's from the summit include the beautiful LaCrosse Basin to the north and major peaks in the Olympic Mountains such as Mount's Olympus, Anderson, Skokomish and Stone, as well as a host of lesser peaks.
The mountain is summited by very few people each year. It's a fairly rural peak in the range, but shares it's proximity to First Divide on the North Fork of the Skokomish River. The easiest route up Steel is from First Divide, 14 miles from the North Fork of the Skokomish trail head. From First Divide follow a ridge to the west where it drops down into a beautiful basin. There's a gorgeous nameless lake here. Hike around the north side of the lake and cross several creeks. From here, begin the descent southwest, eventually working towards the saddle between the two peaks of Mt Steel. Upon reaching the crest of the ridge proceed north along the ridge to the summit block.
The second, less popular route is from Marmot Lake where it leaves the trail three miles above Duckabush Camp. "This route follows a little creek into an ampitheater on the west side of the summit where easy slopes lead to the summit(Climber's Guide to the Olympic Mountains, P. 65. Olympic Mountain Rescue)."
Getting ThereThere are several ways of reaching the base of Mount Steel by trail. The North fork of the Skokomish trail is about 14 miles to First Divide at the base of Mount Steel. The second way is from the Duckabush trail head and includes a 21 mile hike up the Duckabush river to the base of Mount Steel near Marmot Lake. Follow U.S. Highway 101 from Olympia, WA north to Hoodsport where there is a turn off to Staircase, which is where the trail head of the Skokomish River starts. To reach the Duckabush trail head drive north past Eldon until you see the sign for the Duckabush River campground turn off.
Red Tape
No permits are required for climing Steel, except a Wilderness Permit which can be obtained at any Ranger Station on the Olympic Peninsula. Olympic National Park charges 10 Dollars for an entrance fee into the park and five dollars a night per person. Olympic National Park stresses the leave the wilderness as you found it principle, so pack out all trash and leave as little impact on the plants and animals as possible. No parking pass is required at the trailheads. Simply pay the entrance fee and park your vehicle at the trailhead parking (Parking your vehicle at Staircase is recommended above the Duckabush because of problems with Vehicle vandalism at the Duckabush trailhead.).
When To ClimbSummit view from Mount Steel~Photo courtesy of Shredzerr |
The best time of year to climb Mount Steel is from early July until late September. There are some nasty cornices near the summit ridge until late June. So be aware of possible avalanche hazard on the east facing slope. The nice thing about the Olympics is that the river trails are generally clear in the winter, except for the passes and divides. However, Staircase is often closed after November.
CampingGood camping is available at Home Sweet Home (15 miles from the North Fork of the Skokomish River trailhead) and at Marmot Lake (21.3 miles from the Duckabush River trailhead). Five dollars a night is the fee per person.
Mountain ConditionsCall any Ranger Station in the Olympic National Park service for current conditions on trails and/or mountain conditions.
External Linkshref=http://phlumf.com/other/photos/steel/steel.htm>Mount Steel
Trip photographs of Mount Steel
The approach on Mt Steel |
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