Mt Washington: South Route
Mason County, Washington
Uploaded by Bivy Team

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05 :43 hrs
1.4 mi
3139 ft
I
Mountaineering

Mt Washington is the rugged northern neighbor of the popular Mt Ellinor. The South Route is the easiest and most frequently-used approach to the summit in the short snow-free hiking season. From the parking area, look for a boulder on the west side of the road that marks the start of the way trail. The trail crosses a flat open area near 3,800 feet then resumes climbing to a scree field at 4,400 feet. Shortly thereafter, it comes to a tight rock ravine. There is a path that goes up the ravine and one that travels along the top of the rock to the left. At about 5,000 feet is a level open area with a view of the upper mountain. Take the middle of three paths to a small ledge that makes a rising traverse of the south ridge. Continue climbing the south ridge until reaching a very narrow ledge that skirts the east face just below the summit. Come to a high saddle and follow the narrow ridge south to the summit. Take an alternate route such as the Winter Direct if there is extensive snow cover as the avalanche danger is high. An ice ax and a helmet should be taken year-round. The rock here is very loose, so parties should spread out to minimize rock fall danger.

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