Mt Deception, Olympic National Park
On 5 June 2015 Barney Bernhard and I climbed Mount Deception, the second highest peak in Olympic National Park at 7788 feet. Not only is Mount Deception a high peak, it’s also large, aesthetic and sits as the rocky king at the head of Royal Basin.
Our route started from a camp in upper Royal Basin, attaining the low point on the Deception-Martin Peak Ridge via steep snow. From the ridge, we traversed the upper flanks of Deception Glacier under Gilhooley Spire to gain the summit ridge from the West. Blessed with clear skies, light winds and moderate temperatures, we enjoyed an excellent climb and great climbing conditions.