Mt. Olympus Expedition (06/22/2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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.
Where to meet: Hoh Valley trailhead, Olympic NP
Event Leader: Darren Shutt, darren@mountainascent.org, 916-872-3399
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, large garbage bag to line your pack and for general waterproofing. Synthetic insulation for sleeping bags and jackets is encouraged over down. Pack 30 - 50 liters, strippable. Lightweight, well-draining trail runners for the trail.
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.

ITINERARY:

Conference Call April 20th at 7:00 pm. LINK HERE.

DAY 1, Sunday, June 21: Fly or drive to Sea-Tac airport, arriving around noon. Carpool to Forks for supplies, then hike down to Second Beach. Camp, have a fire and enjoy the summer solstice.
DAY 2, Monday, June 22: Explore the beach, a second night of camping and make preparations for early departure in the morning.
DAY 3, Tuesday, June 23: Travel to Hoh Rainforest Trailhead, start approach, hiking about 11 miles to stay overnight at the Guard Station group campground.
DAY 4, Wednesday, June 24: Continue on approach another 6 miles, arrive at Glacier Meadows. Set up camp, prepare for tomorrow, rest.
DAY 5, 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 6, Friday, June 26: Hike about 8 miles to the Lewis Meadows group site. We can also make another summit attempt, then head back down the trail to the camp later in the evening.
DAY 7, Saturday, June 27: Hike 9 miles back to the trailhead and the parking lot around noon, and make our way back to the Seattle area. Flights out of Seattle in the evening after 5:00 pm.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

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.

Mountain Ascent Association upcoming events

Mt. Olympus Expedition (06/22/2026)