Mt. Olympus

[skierdude135]

Has anyone here summited Mt. Olympus in the Olyimpics? I have been as far as Elk Lake (as far as Olympus is concerned) but this summer I plan to head to the top. Any info/experience ya'll could share would be helpful in planning my trip.

Everything I've heard says blue glacier is pretty easy with crampons and an axe, but that the last push for the west summit is a little technical.

Any Thoughts?

[cj001f]

THE SUMMITS FORUM IS NOT FOR MOUNTAINEERING

go to cascadeclimbers.com for beta.

[splat]

_______________

THE SUMMITS FORUM IS NOT FOR MOUNTAINEERING

POTM!

[benDover]

my wife and I summitted in mid-june of '04. I would suggest late July to mid aug. It took us four days total. One extra than planned b/c we tried to access the summit via the ridge and ended up on the false summit. The glacier is totally do-able with only and ice axe and crampons, but of coarse you should have your harness and a dry rope for the climb! Last fifty feet is about a 5.3 climb with a ledge.

The pic is me on the ridge the day before we summited. Try to camp at the meadows just below the glacier rather than Elk Lake. Makes for easier attempts at the summit, but beware of bear that frequent that spot. We had three encounters! Just below Elk Lake is where the last spot for a fire is, but it's great spot too b/c there's a stream.
Our trip log was brutal:
Day 1) 6am start from Hoh trail trailhead-----7pm finish @ Glacier Meadow
almost 20 miles day one + rain all day
Day 2) 3am start and failed attempt @ summit
Day 3) 3am start and succesful summit---packed up by 2pm---primo camping
@ mile 12.4, nice fire spot and bathing spot!!! Check it out!
Day 4) 7am start-----3pm finish @ trailhead. Rented the Suite @ the
Kalaloch


Suggested trip itinerary:
Day 1)Trail Head->just below Elk Lake for fire and innevitable dry-out
Day 2)Camp->Galcier Meadows--base camp + get up on the ridge and route
find
Day 3) potential summit day and return back to camp 12.4
Day 4) potential summit day and return back to camp 12.4
Day 5) return to trailhead

just a thought...but this is how I'll attempt it when I go back.

[FrankZappa]

Summit The annual global meeting of Maggots for skiing and general debauchery. Location changes each year, and the appointed Summit organizer is required to get injured somehow.

as in just like it says below "SUMMITS" on the main page:
"Maggots unite! Go forth and pillage as an unruly mob! -- Various Summit info can be found here."