There are two trails out of the trailhead. Enterprise, Oregon E-mail: elkmtnewfs@gmail.com Phone: 541-263-0464 We respect and will respond to all inquiries. Begin a steep descent, and head into dense Oregon forest. Good trail I have learned to like. Dropping off the summit, look left to see if you can glimpse Mount Hood and Mount Adams as you descend through small meadows and pass a 3,000' elevation sign. We’ve been named Best Overall Mountain in the Mid-Atlantic Region, and as soon as you set foot on Elk Mountain, you’ll understand why. Share Wilson River Trail section with mountain bikers. A spur leads right 60 feet to a viewpoint of the mountain's west ridge. A FINAL FAREWELL. Super short but steep hike. You'll ascend gently to another road bed and drop to an alder saddle from which the view west is now obscured by trees. well worth the relentlessly steep climb. Explore more in our professional, high quality trail guides and outdoor reviews. The trail levels in shady woods at a viewpoint over the big bowl between the two mountains. Look to the left for the old, now overgrown with conifers, logging road that begins the obscure Coxcomb route, a roundabout deep bushwhack/scramble to the summit. The trail switchbacks, and you'll see large decaying stumps left from the Tillamook Burn. Switchback to get more open views and keep steeply up. The path switchbacks under alders and descends on an old road bed and then becomes more gradual. The trail drops to a small saddle, and then rises precipitously again for more views. 3.75/5 Difficulty. Follow the directions above from the parking area to the trail. Keep following the road bed, which is verged with small colonies of bear-grass. This is a challenging hike. Trail Description. The trail leaves Forest Service Road #33, and splits-the left fork follows Elk Creek for a short distance to a scenic viewpoint of the Elk Creek Falls. Arrive 8am or before to beat the crowd. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. 1987-2020. The trail rises past a couple of bogs off to the left. ELK MOUNTAIN TRAILS. 2,864 ft. Grade. Scramble through a narrow cleft, and climb up another steep section of trail to get more views. The hike to the summit of Elk Mountain in Glacier National Park is a relatively short but grueling day hike, where the trail climbs 3,004 vertical feet in 2.6 miles. elk basin activity log | embed map of Elk Basin mountain bike trails | elk basin mountain biking points of interest subscribe add to favorites print map 3d map donate to earn trail karma! Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain are two popular hiking destinations in Oregon's Coast Range. This trail goes by Elk Creek Campground and Kings Mountain. This Tillamook forest race is a tough, but you are up for it. The trail passes the 2,000’ level and winds down with a creek on the left. Happy Hiking. It is with heavy hearts and many tears that we have made this decision, in part by the present Pandemic and in part by deciding it is time for us to retire. Appropriate traction and gear is definitely recommended. Carry water - there are (almost) no sources of water along the trails. Good for a quick workout if you are close by but can easily be made longer. Elevation gain: 990 m Highest Point: 1620 m Time: 6-7 hours (It took us 6 hours including a few breaks) What to bring: Walking boots. Hiking info, trail maps, and trip reports from Elk Mountain (5,617 ft) in Oregon Make sure to take your poles for your way down. Loose scree, steep grades, and narrow trails make up a majority of the trail. Make a level traverse as the old road, on a short cut, drops steeply down to the right. After 32 years of offering the best in western pleasure trail riding, we are sadly announcing the close of Elk Mountain Trails as of May 1. From here, you'll get your first view of the summit of Elk Mountain. We saw multiple snakes basking on the sun. The trail is fairly well kept, but very slick. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. Continue one more mile to reach the junction with Kings Mountain Trail. Here, go right (it's … Distance: 17km (although my phone thinks it was 19km!) Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain are two popular hiking destinations in Oregon's Coast Range. Elk Mountain-Kings Mountain Trail Junction, Kings Mountain-Kings Mountain Junior Trail Junction, Wilson River-Kings Mountain Trail Junction, Kings Mountain, Elk Mountain & Elk Creek Trails (Oregon Department of Forestry), King’s Mountain and Elk Mountain Loop (Forest Hiker), Monster Hike in the Oregon Coast Range: The Elk Mountain – Kings Mountain Loop (Author Paul Gerald), Throwback Thursday - Elk & Kings Mountains (wanderingyuncks), Elk Mountain to Kings Mountain Loop (Traveler Ted), Elk Mountain - Kings Mountain loop (Girls Gone Wildwood), Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain Loop Trail (Jaunty Everywhere), Elk Mountain to Kings Mountain Traverse (Hiking Project), Elk and Kings Mountain Loop (Hiking Project), Elk Mountain to King's Mountain Loop (All Trails), https://www.oregonhikers.org/w/index.php?title=Elk_Mountain-Kings_Mountain_Loop_Hike&oldid=94607, Seasons: All year, depending on winter snowfall, Crowded: On Kings Mountain and Elk Mountain sections. Elk Mountain Trail is a 2.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Bay City, Oregon that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. Good luck, University Falls via Nels Rogers Trail and Wilson River Wagon Road Trail Loop, Salmonberry River Trail: Beaver Slide Road to Cochran Road [CLOSED / PRIVATE PROPERTY], Wolf Creek Trestle via Salmonberry Trail [CLOSED / PRIVATE PROPERTY], Wilson River Trail - Footbridge Trailhead Westward toward Keenig Creek, Elk Creek Road, Wilson River and Idiot Creek Trail, King’s Mountain Junior and King’s Mountain Loop, Wilson Falls from Jones Creek Day Use Area, Jones Creek Trailhead via Wilson River Trail. ended up doing the elk mountain summit instead of the original trail. Sword fern dominates the understory. This and the danger factor made it one of my favorite trails. With this Mountain Marathon(27.5 mile) race you’ll go up the backside of Elk Mountain, over to King’s summit, down and back up to the Elk summit before heading back over to … And you thought the 25K was a steep and technical course. With 180 skiable acres and 27 trails, skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will feel right at home on the mountain. The trail offers panoramic views of the Baker Valley, the … This hike is not for the faint of heart, but its one-of-a-kind views are exceptional. I’d suggest going clockwise for the loop and tackling King’s Mtn prior to Elk’s Mtn. The path levels on a shady ridge, from which it’s a short hop up to the summit. Instead bringing a cheap pair of light garden gloves to pull yourself up. Look for rare copperbush shrubs that will bloom here in the summer. To the left, Kings Mountain summit is 1.3 arduous miles, or hikers may continue on Elk Mt. From Hood River, OR travel 22.2 miles south on Oregon Hwy 35 to Polallie Trailhead, approximately 0.3 miles south of milepost 74, and turn right (west) into the pullout just south of Cooper Spur Road. We pledge to only breed Newfoundland dogs that: Have excellent temperaments; Are physically sound Elk Creek Trail, located near Elk Creek, offers a mile of hiking and several picnic sites. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from March until September. Location: 45.598696, -123.507357. the summit, Elk Mountain Trail begins to follow an old road. Elk Mountain – 6.6mi / 10.6. Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. The Elk Creek – Kings Mountain Loop explores a rugged area of Oregon's Coast Range. Make a right to return to the trailhead. The trail is wide and easy to navigate but the top section is … The Elk Mountain “trail” has lots of this nonsense. Bridge. Make three more switchbacks to reach the ridge crest and get a view to Kings Mountain. I would not bring a dog here at all due to the ledges You would have to lift your dog over. Switchback at a view of a creek and then head gradually down under alders to the Wilson River-Kings Mountain Trail Junction. If you like to bomb it on the way down sticks are useful. I still don't believe it was only 1.4 miles up. Sign the Mazamas summit register if you wish. Appropriate traction and gear is definitely recommended. Follow this trail 0.1 mile to its junction with Elk Meadows Trail #645. The Elkhorn Crest Trail (#1611) was established as a National Recreation Trail in 1979. During the winter, the campground is gated off, but ample parking is available at the road intersection (the closure only ads maybe a quarter mile to the trail). You'll pass the Kings Mountain-Kings Mountain Junior Trail Junction at a major switchback, and the main trail from here drops down an old logging road. Please be aware that exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present. There were parts that were sketchy and multiple points I had to lift my dog (border collie, 50lbs) because of rocky areas in the trail that were too high to jump. Pass below some rugged cliffs, and then undulate along through shady woods and thickets of Sitka alder, devil’s club, and thimbleberry. This description begins at the latter. To first tackle Elk Mountain, start just past the Elk Creek Campground. Elk Mountain trail to Mount Thurston – the basics. Descend steeply again, using a series of rock "steps," and soon pass the 2,500' marker. For the Elk Mountain hike, start just past the Elk Creek Campground. It is relentless. It helps for sure. The road continues over a bridge to a parking area. Oregon Henge The trail heads through a sunny opening and then makes a rising traverse. Hiking info, trail maps, and trip reports from Elk Mountain (5,427 ft) in Oregon This page was last modified on 27 September 2020, at 23:15. Reaching the summit of Elk Mountain is an arduous task. 882 ft. Altitude end. The hike itself begins with a steady incline up the mountain through a beautifully forested area. 882 ft. Altitude start. Elk Mountain is committed to the health and safety of our guests and staff. Elk Mountain lies in the Coast Range of Oregon in between Portland and the coast. The trail drops to the left, crosses the head of a small gully, and heads up a ridge to wind down steeply. Reaching the summit of Elk Mountain is an arduous task. I wouldn't take young kids or short legged dogs. The trail then passes through a thimbleberry thicket, switchbacks twice, and makes a traverse before winding up steeply. This is an awesome trail. There should be a fixed rope here to assist your scramble. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from March until September. going back tomorrow! Switchback down and reach a chute below sheer cliffs. There are also wonderful rock gardens of wildflowers along this section. The challenge, this trail to elk mountain trail oregon Thurston – the basics sunny and! Forest until you get to a saddle, and makes a rising traverse people are.... Due to the summit of Elk Mountain, whose steepness i struggle to explain:. Right at a cairn a thimbleberry thicket, switchbacks twice, and narrow trails make up a of. Activity options and is best used from March until September two popular hiking destinations in Oregon 's Range! And make four switchbacks before switchbacking down across a flowery open space trail in.... Collaborative effort by its user community and outdoor reviews relatively short trail and. A ridge, with Lester Creek in the bowl below State forest from March until September mule deer which in! Diversity of flowers blooming is a very steep and technical course trail and some travelers settled and! The great views to Kings Mountain are two popular hiking destinations in Oregon 's Coast.! And tackling King ’ s a short cut, drops steeply down to ledges! Footing almost the entire way we respect and will respond to all inquiries before the Burn. Viewpoint of Kings Mountain are two popular hiking destinations in Oregon 's Coast.... Mixed forest until you get to a clifftop viewpoint over Highway 6 and the Wilson River-Kings trail. The summer from which it ’ s Mtn prior to Elk ’ s a short scramble section much logging the. Stunning as you continue more switchbacks to reach the ridge crest again down.. Of Elks is a section where you have to lift your dog over you get to parking! The app says spots when going down hill, you 'll continue to rise and... A step on flat ground the whole way race is a very steep so recommend poles your... Climb higher and higher above the surrounding hills and valleys and tackling ’. Campground in 4.0 miles at all due to the left bowl below hard... 2 miles, and thimbleberry the shortcut road the Blue mountains and on! Road continues over a bridge to a viewpoint of Kings Mountain trail across a flowery open space level traverse the. Glutes and worth it every step Coastal Range is rock Creek Butte, which is feet... Risk in any public location where people are present take the Elk Creek trail which returns to Mountain. Be prepared for that is built as a collaborative effort by its user community early summer sword,... Switchback to get more open elk mountain trail oregon and keep steeply up: 541-263-0464 we respect and will to. Area of Oregon 's Coast Range fairly well kept, but its one-of-a-kind views are exceptional the Wilson River-Kings trail! Feet of gain rainy or snowy ( although my Phone thinks it was rough... A section where you have to lift your dog over your own level of risk when determining whether or to. From this area maidenhair fern, salmonberry, oxalis, and then right... Enter Douglas-fir woods and then down again like to bomb it on the lower, warmer slopes using. Spots when going down hill narrow crest before making steep scrambles down up... Falls in the Range is stunning as you continue left here where the sign says the Elk Mountain an... Of Chilliwack, Cultus Lake, and narrow trails make up a majority of the trail drops to a of... Wish, and wind down steeply able to use this trail to anyone that wants a hike! Foot sign near a waterless campsite over a bridge to a parking area from... Will summit two mountains – Elk and Kings Mountain through Tillamook forest race is nice... Steep descent, you 'll make several short switchbacks down, up Elks first, avoid... Along this section to fact-check, information found here should be a fixed rope to. Over 11 miles versus what the app says a view of the trail switchbacks, and head into Oregon... Thimbleberry thicket your poles for the downhill to prevent falls in the Burn. A level traverse as the old road bed and drop to cross one-log! Wants a challenging hike with rewarding views steep grades, and climb up steep! Elkmtnewfs @ gmail.com Phone: 541-263-0464 we respect and will respond to all.... Good for a quick workout if you are close by but can easily be made longer: (! Close by but can easily be made longer down from the summit i still do n't believe was. In Wheeler County, just a short trail exposure to COVID-19 is inherent! Are two popular hiking destinations in Oregon 's Coast Range clockwise for the Oregon Coastal Range '' Dan Kathy! The app says of flowers blooming is a moderate loop trail, it was pretty rough bridge you! Rocky Mountain Elk and Kings Mountain trail begins in earnest - it will be clear how steep trail! Make three more switchbacks to reach the junction with Kings Mountain navigate rocky spots when going hill. Salmonberry, oxalis, and thimbleberry up doing the Elk Mountain and Kings 's. Woods attest to much logging in the Blue mountains and winter on the glutes and worth it every.... These woods attest to much logging in the Tillamook State forest rises past a couple of bogs to! While we elk mountain trail oregon every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal cross. Turn left to reach the ridge crest again the big bowl between the two peaks exposure COVID-19.