Mount Constance: South Chute

Mount Constance is the third highest of the Olympic Mountains and the highest of the Olympic peaks visible from Seattle. The craggy peak, which is composed of old, loose basalt and pillow lava, has a variety of minor summits, pinnacles, spires, and faces, and features several of the range’s most difficult alpine rock routes. Fortunately, there are a few scrambling routes to the summit as well, although none is particularly easy, safe, or recommended. Mount Constance’s routes are generally exposed and hazardous. Climbers have been killed in accidents here. As far as routefinding goes, Mount Constance is one of the most complex peaks of the Olympic Mountains. Although there are relatively easy routes to the summit, they are not immediately obvious and will put your routefinding skills to the test. All things considered, Mount Constance is not a casual ascent. It should only be attempted by experienced climbers and alpine scramblers, preferably in the company of someone who has climbed it before. Despite the hazards, Mount Constance is a popular climbing objective, mostly because of its prominence and accessibility from Puget Sound. The summit offers unsurpassed views of Puget Sound and the interior peaks.