Mt. Olympus Expedition

Join MAA members in Washington State to climb Mt. Olympus. This isolated wilderness peak is the majestic highpoint of Olympic National Park, with dense temperate rain forests and draped in large glaciers. Proficiency in backpacking, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and rock scrambling recommended. Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 12. Hope to have you out with us!

SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience. Those registered will be notified. Thank you! 

DETAILS:

• What's happening: Climb Mt. Olympus 7,980' Blue Glacier route. 2 day approach, glacier travel, 4th class scrambling to the true summit. This is both a long backpacking and mountaineering trip, approx. 40 miles round trip. This is a very wet area with variable weather and that will be a big factor in our climb. Because of high mileage, we will make extra effort to cut group weight. Physical fitness / cardio will also be a big factor. Group campsite options by mileage: Mt. Tom Creek 2.5, Five Mile Island 4.8, OGS 8.7, Lewis Meadow 10.2, Elk Lake 14.1, Glacier Meadows 16.5, C.B. Flats.
  
• Where to meet: Hoh Valley trailhead, Olympic NP
• Event Leader: Darren Shutt, darren@mountainascent.org
• Minimum / Maximum: 6,12
• What to bring: Warm, stormproof layers for upper and lower body. 2 pair socks and gloves, gaiters. Hat, buff, beanie, sunglasses. Lightweight harness, helmet, lightweight glacier and climbing gear (belay device, prusik, 2 locking carabiners, 48" runner, 24" runner, 2 regular carabiners), lightweight mountain / hiking boots, sharp crampons fit to your boots, mountain axe with leash or runner to connect to harness, food for 6 days, waterbottles, trekking pole(s), tent, sleeping bag, pad, stove, bear canister.  
  
• Expedition Fee: $185, which covers the permits, EL travel expenses and a mandatory group gear usage fee. Minimum of 6 is required for the expedition to run. Registration is confirmed upon complete payment. 
• Refund policy: Full refunds outside of 90 days, 50% refund between 30 and 90 days, no refund possible closer than 30 days.
  
• Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
• Travel: getting to Washington is the responsibility of the participant. However, as a team we will coordinate ridesharing, airport pickup, and lodging.
• Additional Info: Bear canisters required. We will camp in designated group campsites. Exact itinerary will depend on permits obtained in Jan. 2026.

ITINERARY:

Conference Call TBD: Probably April 2026

• DAY 1, Monday, June 22: Gather in Olympic National Park at a campground or a house rental to meet and greet, sort gear and make preparations.
• DAY 2, Tuesday, June 23: Travel to Hoh Rainforest Trailhead, start approach, hiking about 11 miles to stay overnight at the Guard Station or Lewis Meadows group campground.
• DAY 3, Wednesday, June 24: Continue on approach another 6 miles, arrive at Glacier Meadows. Set up camp, prepare for tomorrow, rest.
• DAY 4, Thursday, June 25: With an early start, climb the glaciers to the west summit, return to camp at Glacier Meadows, round trip approx. 6 miles. Celebrate and rest.
• DAY 5, Friday, June 26:  Hike about 16 miles, most of the way back to the Hoh trailhead, staying at the Five Mile Island group site. Alternatively, we may be able to arrange for a second summit attempt.
• DAY 6, Saturday, June 27: Complete the last 5 miles back to the trailhead, and make our way back to the Seattle area. Flights out of Seattle in the evening.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Due to the demands of the event, only Base and Apex members are eligible to register. 
• Event leaders are experienced volunteers, but may not be certified guides.
• Participant safety is our top priority. The itinerary described is the plan; however, circumstances beyond the leader's control may necessitate changes.
  
• The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.
• MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.