Mount Ellinor (Hard)

Come out for one of my favorite hikes, Mount Ellinor!

Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,300 ft.
Difficulty: Hard

Mount Ellinor is one of the best spring season trips around. Located on the east edge of the Olympic Mountains, It’s one of a few places where you can view all five Cascade volcanoes, as well as Hood Canal, Puget Sound, and Mount Olympus. The short, steep trail makes for an exciting but strenuous time as it travels directly up an enormous snow gully before opening to the amazing views at the top. After we soak up the amazing views, we can enjoy one of the best glissades around as we slide back to the bottom.

Required
Ice Axe
Helmet
Microspikes

Strongly Recommended
Mountaineering Boots
Crampons
Snow-pants or waterproof rain-pants

In favorable conditions, it is possible to do this route without crampons or mountaineering boots, but if the snow is hard or icy, they are necessary. If you don’t bring the gear, there is a chance you will need to turn around early. Snowshoes might be useful for the first part of the trail.

This is a good trail for people experienced with standard winter hiking or snowshoeing and are ready to learn some additional techniques for steep terrain. I can offer some basic advice on glissade and self-arrest technique to anyone who hasn’t done it before.

Because of the steep terrain, this route is only safe when avalanche conditions are low. If avalanche risk becomes heightened, we will do an I-90 hike instead.

Download this GPS map for alltrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/mount-ellinor-winter-route--2

Riders should give $25 to their drivers for gas. Bring a plastic bag to place your boots in after the hike. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park at the trailhead.

Important: You and yourself alone are responsible for your own safety. Please know your abilities before signing up.