Olympic National Park

Lake of Angels

Description 

Olympic National Park is a vast area roughly 40x50 miles with little access other than by foot. The Park contains peaks up to the heavily glaciated 7965ft Mt Olympus and numerous crags of variable quality at the ranges base near sea level. Access to these climbs varies from day hikes to multiday brushcrashes through slide alder and devils club that will leave most wondering why they climb. Considered less appealling by most climbers in the pacific north west due to the choss and long approaches the peak bagger and adventurist will be very satified. Many of the peaks in the park rarely if ever see ascents and it is not hard to find yourself completely alone for days often times even while on trails. Its for this reason that wildlife is abundant and sasquaches are around every bend. There are a few areas of interest for the serious rock climber however. The popular sawtooth ridge, and the Needles crags hold rock of a much higher quality with some exciting and unique ascents. The most recent 4th addition of The Climbers Guide to the Olympic Mountains contains much better descriptions of these technical climbs as well of several recently developed crags located along many of the river drainages accessing the park.

Because of how the park is generally situated encased in National Forest land and because of the many access points with the exception on Hurricane Ridge and a few other accesses there is not park fee but there are National Forest fees. There are overnight camping permit fees that can be obtained at any number of forest or parks offices that you'll be sure to pass on the way to your approach. Office locations can be located on the National Forest/Parks website.

Lodging can be found in most of the towns around the Olympic Pennisula but some of the best options are likely in Port Angeles or Hoodsport. As for food the options are endless. There are random locations all along the pennisula including fresh seafood markets that are as fresh as it gets.

Getting There 

Approaches vary depending on the peak and route but expect an epic if your used to a trail hike. Most of the river drainages have dirt roads that allow initail access to the interior. Hurricane Ridge Road out of Port Angeles is popular access for day hikes and climbs but is closed at night. Expect steep approach trails.

The Classics