Mount Scott
A moderate three-day scrambling trip in the Olympics. Start at Whiskey Bend, cross the Elwah River, and then head to Dodger Point. From Dodger Point, it is a five hour scramble to the summit of Mount Scott. On a clear day, enjoy views of most of the eastern Olympics from the summit.
approach & ascent
Dodger Point Trail
Follow the Elwha River trail from Whiskey Bend to Michael’s Cabin. Pass by the cabin and take the right fork to follow the Long Ridge Trail to the Elwha River. Cross the river on the suspension bridge and continue on to Dodger Point Camp, 13.5 miles from Whiskey Bend.
There is a tent site (no water) at ~1,660 ft. At trickle of water can be found (usually) at 3,700 ft, and good water at 4,300 ft. The better campsites at Dodger Point can be found to the east, on the higher ground (~5,000 ft) in the trees, just after the creek crosses the trail. Fill all water bottles here before proceeding. Avoid the lower, wetter, campsites on the west side of the trail, if possible.
Dodger Point to Mount Scott
The Long Ridge Trail joins the Dodger Point Trail at 5,200 ft. Turn left to go to the fire lookout (half a mile), or right to head towards Ludden Peak.
At 5,000 ft, near a dark pond, the Long Ridge Trail continues straight ahead while the Dodger Point Trail bears sharply left. Travel westerly on the Long Ridge Trail as it follows the divide between Long Creek and the Goldie River. Stephen Peak (in the Bailey Range) stands directly ahead. Turning to the southeast, the path contours the slope that overlooks Louise Creek, a tributary of the Goldie River, and then rounds a bend where Mount Scott comes into view.
Cross the meadow. The ridge ascends, while the trail traverses the south side before breaking out of the forest. This is the beginning of the route to the Baily Range. Here, find the faint “path” descending from the trail to a lower level (~4,400 ft), drop down into the steep ravine, cross the stream in the gully, and scramble up steep slopes (look for Crisler’s ladder) to the pass between Ludden Peak and Mount Scott (4,750 ft). Stay high to avoid the wet through the pass. There is a good campsite in this area. Finally, ascend via the north ridge to the summit of Mount Scott.
- Suitable Activities: Scrambling
- Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Technical 3, Strenuous 3
- Length: 32.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 6,000 ft
- 5,913 ft
- Land Manager: Olympic National Park
- Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- USGS Mt Queets
- Trails Illustrated Olympic National Park
- Custom Correct Elwha Valley
- USGS Hurricane Hill
There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.