Flying_Ned

Now is a good time to start thinking about it. We did this in July a few years ago from the valley south and got pretty soaked in the brush crash toward lake Ellinor. Bivied on the west ridge--scenic spot with no water but a few beers--and navigated the easiest line to the upper snow ledges the next morning. We're socked in on the small summit. Take care when descending in low visibility. There are a few options from the south side, and I believe we joined route 1 at approx. 5000'. The upper mountain is very fun. Do it early to avoid the approach jungle--stay out of the stream. An ascent of "paradise valley" route of Washington can also be made from this area. Give yourself 5 hours from the parking area at the hairpin to the summit in good visibility.

Has anyone done Muncaster and the high Quinault traverse--Crows Foot to Martins Park? That's on my list for this season. The Olympics are great for several remote, alpine traverses that get you near rarely climbed peaks. The folks on this site who bag on the range select low grade/high class climbs they can tick off in a weekend. Try a little grade 4 routefinding once in a while. The Oly experience, it seems to me, is about being a smart woodsman, a confident mountaineer, and a curious and determined climber. Many rewards for the faithful.