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Sisters, Oregon, United States

Mt. Washington Standard Summit Route

Via Big Lake and North Ridge

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Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 10.6 miles / 17.1 km
Duration: Full day
Dog Friendly
 
Overview: This is a technical mountain like Three Fingered Jack to the north that requires rock climbing and mountaineering skills. There is extreme exposure so it is not for people with fears of heights. You will approach the mountain via the PCT and then follow a steep climbers trail to the north ridge which you will follow to the final summit block. Once you get to the saddle beneath the summit block parties will rope up and continue up the Class 4-5 crumbly rock over several pitches. The first 75 feet to the top of the "the nose" is often considered the most difficult in the climb. Keep an eye out for rockfall. Once on top, enjoy the views north of TFJ and Jefferson and south to the Sisters and Broken Top. Most parties will rappel down from the top. There are plenty of anchors around and many have lashing on them already but it is always wise to use your own gear as you don't know how long that has been up there. Take your time and stay safe!

Tips: The trailhead is located down the road from the Hoodoo Ski Resort. Take forest road 2690 south two miles to Big Lake. Just before the lake turn left onto the old Santiam Wagon Road (Forrest Service 500). In about half a mile you'll reach the intersection with the PCT. Start here. Use the GPS track to find the climbers trail off the PCT.

Points of Interest

Junction
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Climbers Trail

Watch for this cairn indicating the climbers trail heading away from the PCT.
Junction
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Start of Summit Pitch Climbing

There is extreme exposure here. Here I've shown a bunch of photos of us ascending and descending in and out of clouds and one of my hand to show how crumbly and unsafe the rock is for hand-holds. Be very careful and take your time.
Mountain
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Summit

Summit Photos. There is a register at the top for you to sign. There is also a clear summit rock that sticks into the air. Go look at it closely. You will see a multitude of little black melted holes in it... these are from lightning strikes! Therefore, it's not a good idea to stay up there in bad weather! Hopefully you will have better views than we had of the sisters etc.
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Descent down the scree slope

This is truly a scree slope of very loose rock so watch your footing or you'll twist an ankle. Follow the trail of footsteps down on a seperate path that will bring you in a loop back to the PCT just beyond where you entered the woods for the ascent. You'll have some great views on the way down.
Pictures in this guide taken by: JonathanEllinger

Jonathan Ellinger

Mt. Washington Standard Summit Route Trail Map


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About the Author

JonathanEllinger
JonathanEllinger
333 guides
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Although I have climbed over 250 mountains from various places around the U.S. and have hiked in Europe...

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