
Trip
Basic Glacier Climb - Mount Olympus/Blue Glacier
WARNING: The road is closed, which adds 6 miles. And reports of Crystal Pass are mixed. This is an exploratory climb. Summit not guaranteed.
- Info
- COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity.
- Fri, Sep 14, 2018 — Tue, Sep 18, 2018
- Olympia Basic Alpine Climbing
- Climbing
- Basic Alpine
- Adults
- Basic Glacier Climb
- Challenging
- Mileage: 44.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 7,400 ft
- 5 (6 capacity)
- 2 (3 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Meeting at either Martin Way Park and Ride, Mud Bay Park and Ride, or the trailhead at a time to be determined.
This climb is not to be underestimated. It's everything from a backpacking trip, to a glacier climb, to a rock scramble, to a rock climb. This late in the season, we may have to do some alpine rock climbing to reach the summit. If you're a new climbing student, this will require your A-game.
You will simultaneously need to have everything you'll need for 4-5 days, and manage to keep your pack as light as possible. Every pound you can save will pay dividends each subsequent day.
Rough Itinerary:
Friday - late evening and night hike from trailhead as far as we can get.
Saturday - leave by 9 AM to head for Glacier Meadow.
Sunday - wake up as early as possible, go for the summit, return to camp by dark
Monday - head down to Lewis Meadows or beyond (depending)
Tuesday - head to trailhead
I love this climb. It's worth all the purgatory.
Required Equipment
- The Ten Essentials
- Boots that can accept crampons
- Crampons
- An ice axe (not technical ice tools)
- A sleeping bag
- A sleeping pad
- Webbing and accessory cords
- 4 wire gate carabiners
- 2 locking carabiners
- Large pear-shaped carabiner
- Climbing harness
- Helmet
- Rescue pulley
- Fleece or puffy jacket
- Rain jacket and full-zip rain pants
- Warm gloves or mittens