Mount Ellinor

The climb of Mount Ellinor is comparatively easy, and the 
first ascent occurred about 100 years ago. Hundreds of 
people scramble to the top every year.

Beyond the end of the Mount Ellinor Trail at Chute Flats 
(4500 ft/1372 m), the route climbs to the base of The Chute 
(4700 ft/1433 m), a rockbound gully inclined at a 
moderately steep angle. The Chute is easier to ascend in 
the spring or early summer, when it is filled with snow, at 
which time it makes an excellent glissade during the 
descent. Later, after the snow has melted, climbing The 
Chute is time-consuming, requiring caution because loose 
stones clatter down. Mountain goats are often observed 
standing upon the rocky prominences that rise on both sides 
of the defile.

At the head of The Chute (5700 ft/1737 m), the route turns 
west and crosses a basin, then climbs a final snow slope to 
the summit (5944 ft/1812 m). Goats often mingle with 
climbers on the top.

The view is splendid, particularly early in the season when 
the Olympics are covered with snow, although clouds 
frequently obscure the scene. Many peaks are visible in the 
distance; Mount Washington and Mount Pershing are close at 
hand. Away from the Olympics the view includes Hood Canal, 
Puget Sound, and the Cascade Range.