Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in the Olympic range and stands at a rugged and staggering 7,965 feet. The mountain is the first major peak that all Pacific storms encounter and as a result high accumulations of snow and extremely harsh weather occur here. There is a significant amount of glacial formations, and in the continental United States only Mount Rainier and Mount Baker have more. Mount Olympus is located in the center of the Olympic National Park and requires a one day hike just to reach the base of the mountain, adding to its remote appeal.
The climate in the region is influenced mostly by the mountains and the sea and there is a wide range of weather conditions. The mountain gets about twelve feet of rain every year along the west side and nearby valleys, which aids the growth of the temperate rainforest. Along the eastern side of the mountain is a rain shadow which receives only twenty-five inches of rain each year. This area is much drier than any other area on Mount Olympus. Summer months are warm yet fair, with temperatures fluctuating between 65 and 75 degrees. The driest months are August and September. Winter months prove to be mild at lower mountain elevations, with temperatures in the 30's and lower 40's. Snow accumulation can be heavy at times with ten foot snowfalls and consequent drifts commonplace. Avalanche conditions are in effect most winter months and fluctuates daily and even hourly on the mountain. The Northwest Avalanche Center has been established to provide current avalanche information and it is recommended that a call in take place before venturing out skiing or snowshoeing.
Due to the long winters on Mount Olympus, large glaciers are supported. The glaciers include Blue, Humes, Hoh, Jeffers, Hubert, and White. The largest glacier is Blue which expands over an area of 5.31 kilometers. Hoh is the longest glacier in the area and extends over three miles.
Activities along the mountain are vast. Each year over 40,000 people enjoy camping in the Olympic National Park wilderness. Several hundred thousand hikers and trail walkers explore the region each year. Climbing Mount Olympus is a popular activity. Due to the mountain's triple peak and glaciated surface, there is a high appeal for mountain and ice climbing. The combination of the rainforest wilderness and mix of snow, rock, and ice make for an interesting climb. In good weather climbing conditions are spectacular but due to the heavily crevassed glaciers it is not recommended during severe winter months and storms. Weather is highly uncertain in the region and heavy fog can make it impossible to find the way back to the trail or camp. Climbing requirements include rope, an ice axe, crevasse rescue gear, and Crampons. A strong knowledge on how to use all equipment and crevasse rescue expertise is required.
The mountain is accessible from Seattle by driving north toward Edmonds and taking the ferry to Kingston. Once across the Hood Canal Bridge along Highway 101, there are signs to the Hoh River Entrance to Olympic National Park, just south of the town of Forks. A one-way excursion from Seattle is approximately five hours.
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