Olympic National Park - Climbing in the Olympic Wilderness (U.S. National Park Service)

Climbing Safety	Climbing Guides
Peaks

Olympic's rock formations are generally shales, sandstone, soft basalts and pillow lava.

While offering excellent remote alpine climbing opportunities, the rock is often fragmented and loose. Always wear a helmet, and beware of rock fall. The Climber's Guide to the Olympic Mountains is the standard work on climbing routes in the park. Information on current conditions is available from the WIC, ranger stations and various mountaineering outfitters on the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound.

Climbing Safety
Climbing in the Olympic Mountains is by no means void of danger or risk due to the unstable rock and snow, frequently inclement weather and other hazards. Though climbers have generated far fewer search and rescue incidents than hikers and backpackers, it is important that climbers recognize that these risks and dangers are real. Outside rescue may be extremely difficult due to remoteness and/or poor weather conditions.

Visit Olympic Mountain Rescue's web site.

Safety Tips
A review of park mountaineering accidents since 1990 offers the following insights:

Constantly track your location using a map, compass and altimeter.
Constantly follow the weather.
Do not get yourself into a situation that is beyond your skill level. Use a known or easier route.
Don't climb alone.
If you become lost or injured: Don't panic, find shelter and stay put, make an SOS signal and be visible.

Climbers on Mt. Olympus

Peaks
Mt. Olympus (7,980 ft.), the highest in the Olympics, is one of the most spectacular areas in Washington. Climbing season usually begins in late June and goes through early September. Some of the dangers climbing this peak are: glacier travel, rock fall, and avalanche potential. Climbing parties should be skilled in crevasse self-rescue and should possess other technical skills as well. Climbing parties should register for their climb at the Glacier Meadows Ranger Station.

Consult "Olympic Mountains: A Climbing Guide" for route information and other details.

Mt. Deception

Mt. Deception (7,788 feet)

The Royal Basin areas offers some of the most spectacular high-country in the Olympic Mountains. Mt. Deception is the second highest peak in the Olympics and though it it not a "technical" alpine or rock climb, there are hazards.

The climb itself is not particularly technical, but is steep and exposed. If a climber falls and does not arrest immediately, he or she may not be able to stop for some distance due to rotten snow or loose rock. Please check with the WIC for the latest known snow and route conditions. Current information may not always be available.

Fatalities have occured on Mt. Deception. Climbers should be experienced in self-arrest skills, rock climbing and route-finding.

Consult "Olympic Mountains: A Climbing Guide" for route information and other details.

Inner Constance

Mt. Constance (7,743 ft.) is third highest peak in the Olympic Mountains. Like Mt. Deception, many of the routes are very exposed and hazardous. During the last three years one fatality and a number of rescues have occurred on the mountain. Climbing this peak requires technical expertise. For the latest snow and route conditions please contact the WIC. Note: Due to overcrowding, there is a overnight quota of 20 persons at Lake Constance. Reservations are recommended.

Consult "Olympic Mountains: A Climbing Guide" for route information and other details.

More Information

The WIC in Port Angeles serves as the clearinghouse for climbing related information. (360) 565-3100

Rangers do not certify competency, nor is anyone refused a wilderness permit because of deficiencies in equipment or ability. Risk is recognized as a legitimate component of the wilderness experience. Our goal is not to eliminate risk but to help climbers make informed decisions as to their level of exposure.

Climbers descending Humes Glacier

Looking for a mountain guide?
Contact the WIC at (360) 565-3100 for a list of licensed guides.