Mount Rose
One of the requirements for completing the Mountaineers Basic Alpine Climbing Course is to complete a “conditioner”, proving fitness for bigger climbs to come. A conditioner is a hike with a minimum of 3 miles on the ascent, a minimum of 800 feet of elevation gain per mile, reaching a summit within 2 hours. The required pack weight is 20% of the hiker’s body weight or 35lbs, whichever is heavier. The Olympia branch frequently uses Mount Rose to fulfill this requirement, stating that it should take no more than 2.5 hours to reach the summit in summer conditions.
With snow still on the trail, we had a little wiggle room with the time requirement. Our goal was to make the summit in 2.5 hours, but if we encountered snow, we would tack on a few minutes to compensate for the slower travel.
Snow-dipped Rose, Ellinor and Washington
Our group met at the trailhead just before 8 AM and took turns weighing our packs. Mine clocked in at 37 lbs. I brought 6 L of water that I intended to dump after reaching the summit. Five of our group were students in the Basic Climbing Course and one additional member signed up for the trip, not intending to carry extra weight. With our leader, Dean, and the assistent leader, Gary, we were a party of eight. All of us except Gary carried snowshoes, both for the weight and for the small chance that we might need them if we encountered deep snow.
Getting down to business
We set off from the trailhead at a faster pace than I had anticipated, with one of the students leading the group. Four of us hung together at the front and eventually separated from the slower hikers, so we stopped periodically to wait for everyone to catch up.
Taking a break at Horse Camp, we were passed by an older hiker who said, “Snowshoes, eh?” He moved quickly up the trail as we prepared to resume the hike. I thought we would catch him soon, but with a lighter pack, he was able to stay in front of us all the way to the summit. Within a half mile of Horse Camp, we hit deeper snow, but still had a good boot path. Gradually we wound through the trees and ascended through the burn section. Just like the last trip to Rose in December 2021, we were greeted by brilliant sun and burned-over trees silhouetted with glistening snow.
Postcard perfect
Pillowy path
Sun + snow = smiles
Even the burn is beautiful
After Horse Camp, the pace slowed due to the snow, but the terrain became less steep. The hardest part was clearly over and now we could enjoy the expansive views. Emerging from the trees, Lake Cushman came into view to the south and Mt. Ellinor was visible to the east.
The final push
We made it to the summit in exactly 2 hours and 30 minutes, which felt pretty good considering the snow conditions. We paused for summit photos and ate lunch. Lightning Peak was initially visible from the summit but within minutes, became enshrouded in clouds.
Celebratory summit photo
Lake Cushman
At the summit, a member of our group, Kerri, read the following poem by Gary Snyder.
the pine tree is perfect
Walking in the snowhills the trail goes just right
Eat snow off pine needles
the city’s not so big, the hills surround it.
Heizan wrapped in his own cloud—
Back there no big houses, only a little farm shack
crows cawing back and forth
over the valley of grass-bamboo and small pine.
If I had a peaceful heart it would look like this.
The train down in the city was once a snowy hill
Snow makes everything better
On the way down, we encountered the same older hiker who raced by us at Horse Camp, but this time he was heading back up the trail. He had already descended to the trailhead and turned around to take another lap back up to Horse Camp. He said he was preparing for an upcoming trip to the Grand Canyon. As we headed down, we passed many hikers and dogs taking advantage of the beautiful day, our spirits lifted by the camaraderie of the group and the energy of the mountain.
Frosty Mt. Ellinor
Starting elevation: 806 ft | Elevation Gain: 3,452 ft | Distance: 5.98 mi Equipment: poles, heavy pack
