Mt. Rose

3.7 (11) Olympic National Forest, WA Strenuous 1 trip report · 34 photos

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Round trip: 8 mi
Elevation gain: 3,600 ft
High point: 4,300 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Season: Jun – Oct
Pass: None
Dogs: Allowed usually

Trip report

October 31, 2003

by John Munyan

Strenuous 5 hours Verdict: Okay

Snow on trail
Views
Old growth

★★★★★ 3.7 out of 5 from 11 votes · log in to vote

Driving Directions: Travel Highway 101 to Hoodsport. Turn onto State Route 119 and travel 9.0 miles to the junction with F.S. Road #24. Turn left and drive approximately 3.0 miles

Trail Notes: I have set out a couple times on this hike and never made it to the top. I wasn't prepared for the snow. We'll I decided to do it again and am happy to report that I made it 'all the way to the top'. The Mt Rose trail is pretty steep definitely in the Granite Mountain category. This trail gives you an early indication of the steepness of the overall trail. And just about each switch back banister counts the switchbacks to the bottom. I didn't notice these marks until I was on my way down.

One thing to keep in mind if contemplating this hike is that like Mt. Si there are no views until the top. So if you get going make sure you make it to the top!!

Photos 34

Highest rated first

Reviews 4

★★★★☆

Zach P. · Sep 1, 2012 · Strenuous

I love this hike! I usually climb mt Ellinor, but it's shut down due to the goats being aggressive. I was surprised at how strenuous mt rose is. It offers a good view at the top and kicks your butt! The only bad thing is the horse flies(bring a fly swatter!).

challenge yourself!

★★★★★

Anonymous · Sep 5, 2011 · Strenuous

You'll reach the top if you pace yourself! Lovely views and wildflowers. Pack plenty of water and snacks.

7 months pregnant

★★★★☆

Anonymous · Aug 14, 2011 · Moderate +

My friend decided to get married 1 mile into this trail. I promised I would go even 7 months pregnant. I was a difficult hike and reminded me a lot of the mount Si trail switch backs all the way. It was difficult and everyone with us passed me but I did make it and everyone including me said it was hard but worth it. Where we stopped was a lookout to the lake and I think the further you went up the steeper it got. It is a good day hike and worth it if you have all day to spend exploring the beautiful trees and scenery.

★★★☆☆

Anonymous · Aug 2, 2007 · Moderate +

Good smoker of a hike, especially if you try going fast. It's steep right out of the parking lot and is consistent and relentless the whole way. At the split in the trail it actually gets steeper and stays consistent again until the top. Once it's under snow, it's a bit discouraging and very easy to lose the trail. Generally you can follow boot-prints and, if you just keep going up, you'll get there eventually. We did this whole trail in 3.5 hours roundtrip with much fumbling in the snow trying to find the trail again near the top, which certainly slowed us down a lot. The views aren't that great going up, but very nice view into Olympic Park and over Lake Cushman from the top. If you want a good workout, this is a nice day trip.