[awilsondc]

Going along with the theme of the Olympic games, I visit the Lake of the Angels basin in the Olympic Mountains every four years for some peak bagging. Or at least that's how it's worked out so far. I had a failed attempt at Stone in '08, a successful summit of Stone in '12, and in 2016 I decided to go back for Skokomish! It was supposed to be a hot day (upper 90s) so I left early, wanting to get to the trailhead around sunrise. As I got near Hoodsport the dawn colors were really coming out. I paid so much attention to the sunrise that I drove 15 minutes past the Hamma Hamma turn off before I realized it! That set me back a bit but I was on the trail by 6:00 am.

Dawn breaking at Hood Canal

I must have forgotten how steep the Putvin trail is, but I was reminded pretty quick. That Putvin trail doesn't mess around! I managed to find a good pace and with a few photography breaks I reached the first basin. Snow started soon after the pond of false prophets and it was mostly snow travel from then on. Upon reaching Lake of the Angels I could see several groups camping on what little dry ground there was. The lake is just starting to melt out and a good deal of it is still under snow.

Putvin Trail with water emerging from underground

Mount Pershing from the Putvin Trail

First basin, Mount Stone on the right

Lake of the Angels (under snow), some backpackers, and Mount Stone

Sign near Lake of the Angels, still a good deal of snow

Lake of the Angels still partially frozen

Looking west from the lake, there are two gullies leading up to the saddle at 5700 feet. I took north gully (climbers right) and made my way up. The snow was soft, perfect for kicking steps. Part way I noticed a mountain goat and kid high on the ridge. As I made my way up, they made their way down. I always love seeing mountain goats, they feel like kindred spirits or something. A short while later I reached the saddle at 5700 feet and could see the final destination of Mount Skokomish! Mount Cruiser came into view and looked particularly impressive from this vantage point.

Goats!

More goats

more... goats

Looking back down the gully at Mount Stone

Mount Cruiser

Mount Cruiser close up

Mount Skokomish and Mount Stone with other Olympic Peaks from the 5700 saddle

From here the route traverses across the south east face until you are E / SE of the summit (just above the 'h' in Skokomish on the topo) before heading up. I feel like I timed this trip perfectly. This portion of the route is renowned for loose chossy rock. Fortunately for me most of it was still covered by snow, soft easily kickable snow at that! At this point I pulled out my ice axe which I was glad I brought. My microspikes stayed in my pack. Had the snow been firm or icy crampons would have been preferable. The traverse was pretty uneventful and a short while later I found myself on the summit of Mount Skokomish!

Mount Skokomish panorama from just below the summit (right of center)

Buckhorn, Warrior, and Inner Constance

Needles, Deception, Mystery, and Gray Wolf Ridge in the back. Haven't ID'd the front peaks yet

Mount Anderson

Mount Olympus

The views were some of the best I've seen in the Olympic range. I spent about 40 minutes on top having lunch and soaking in the views before heading back. The way down included copious amounts of standing glissading and soft plunge stepping. It was heavenly! The rest of the way back went smoothly and I made it back at 1:40.

Lunch spot!

Perfect place to relax before heading back

Miles ~11 Elevation gain ~5000 Time ~7 hours 40 minutes car to car

[Phil]

Great pics, well done!

[rambln]

Beautiful photos How much longer would you estimate the snow sticking around and covering up all of that loose chossy rock? Looks like you had perfect conditions!

[RichP]

Very nice. I'll have to try that one sometime.

[awilsondc]

[rambln]

[Gimpilator]

Excellent report. I don't think Skokomish sees many visitors.

[Distel32]

[olderthanIusedtobe]

Beautiful pictures! I really should spend more time exploring the Olympics. I just haven't even come close to seeing everything in the Cascades yet, though.

[Magellan]

Lovely!

[silence]

Way to go!!! Stone and Skokomish from Del Monte Ridge last year around this time ...

Olympic Sunrise

[ranger rock]

Wow nice! I want to at least try to get up to that gully..