Mt Jupiter Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Hike Jupiter ridge in the Olympics to the summit of Mount Jupiter.
Cache is an ammo can, just shy of, but in view of the summit, 7 miles from the trailhead, at 5677'.
NO water available on this trail, so plan accordingly.
No climbing skills required.
Best found during late spring when the Rhodies are in bloom and the snows have receeded.
The trail gradually climbs the ridgeline with views of the Duckabush Valley, Mt. Jupiter, The Brothers, and Hood Canal. The trail switchbacks about eight times up the ridge through salal and rhododendrons to the side of the ridge and then climbs less steeply toward the summit of Mt. Jupiter. After five miles, the trail becomes rougher and more open. From the ridgeline, the Jupiter Lakes are visible below. From the summit of Mt. Jupiter, the Olympic Mountains are seen as well as Puget Sound. The best views of Rainier, Adams, and St. Helens are seen on the return hike. The trail is easily followed and not rough until the final 1.5 miles. Routes to Jupiter Lakes are not formally established and hikers must scramble (900 foot drop in elevation) down to the lakes. Fires above 3,500 feet elevation and groups consisting of more than 12 people and/or 8 livestock are prohibited within the Wilderness. Bring plenty of water with you -- there is none along the trail
About halfway up, there is an outcrop with a great view of the Duckabush drainage located at N47°42.544 W123°00.712, elevation 3500'.
Location and Access: Travel Highway 101 to Rd. #2610-010 (Mt. Jupiter Rd. N47°39.438 W122°55.524), approximately 22 miles north of Hoodsport. Follow Rd. 2610-010 for 2.5 miles to the junction with Rd. #2610-011 (the left fork). Just north of the intersection is a wildlife gate. This gate is locked from October 1 to May 1 and during times of high fire danger. When the gate is locked you must hike the 011 spur 2.5 miles to the trail and the trailhead ( N47°41.050 W122°57.415, elevation 2069'). The trail takes off to the left. Road 2610-010 is steep, winding, and can be rough in places. Trailers are not possible under any circumstance due to the rough roads and difficulty in turning around. The road may be difficult to follow in places due to recent logging on State and Private land.
Facilities at Trailhead: There is a small parking area (No trailers or R.V.'s). No toilet or potable water.
Level of Difficulty: Most difficult
For current conditions, (visit link)
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ng gur sbbg bs n sve, ba gbc bs n ynetr obhyqre, whfg ful bs gur fhzzvg ng n fjvgpuonpx tbvat sebz rnfg gb jrfg , jvguva gjb sbbg bs gur genvy, nobhg gjb sbbg nobir gur genvy.