Arguably the prettiest and quietest timberline meadows at Mt. The trail is primarily used for hiking, bird watching, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. Wildflowers in full force. Elk Cove Trail #631 Area Status: Not Cleared This trail enters the Mount Hood Wilderness on the north side of Mount Hood. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail is wide and easy to navigate but the top section is very steep and the loose dirt is … The destination is worth the journey though and the burn affords some great views both in front and behind you. Just follow the road at the end. Coming down Pinnacle Ridge was fine but - as mentioned in other posts - muddy in spots, exposed, and steeper & more overgrown vs Elk Cove Trail. We hiked just the Elk Cove trail from the TH as an out & back. The trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing and is best used from July until October. Once you get to the meadow it’s great. The foreground trees refused to move out of the way. This is a scenic meadow located within a large alpine basin. In her free time, you’ll find her outdoors enjoying one of Oregon’s great hiking trails or rivers. Hood then you are familiar with the beautiful meadows of Elk Cove on the north side of the mountain. Also be sure to walk to the west side of the cove, where an icy Cove Creek rambles through the meadows. Highly recommend!! The trail was clearly marked about 1.5 miles up the gravel road (after log crossing) by a rock cairn. If you have ever hiked the 40 mile long Timberline Trail that circumnavigates Mt. Drive 2.8 miles, turning right (west) on Lawrence Lake Drive. Meet at the MMC at 8:00 AM. The Tomales Point area is a popular destination for visitors wishing to view tule elk, birds, and wildflowers.The historic Pierce Point Ranch offers a glimpse into the early dairy ranching days on the peninsula. Elk Cove Trail is a 15.0 kilometer lightly trafficked loop trail located near Mount Hood Parkdale, Oregon that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The route also crosses through several wildflower-filled meadows and avoids fords … At the lake, turn left onto Road 2840 for one mile, parking where the old Road 650 split from 2840. The road when you get to the valley is part paved and part unpaved and narrow. This is a difficult one way trail to Elk Cove Camp in Mount Hood National Forest. Enjoy, be safe, and always leave no trace. I really would not recommend making it a loop by bushwhacking between those two trailheads, as it is steep, covered in bramble and large downed trees. Elk Cove is a meadow in the Mount Hood Wilderness on the north side of Mount Hood in the U.S. state of Oregon. This is where the backpack or leashed pup can become a challenge. Elk Cove is tucked away in a remote area of Mt. 2350 feet elevation gain. Parking is limited and larger vehicles may have difficulty turning around. A short 0.4-mile (0.6-km) trail leads down to the beautiful McClures Beach. Bugs are definitely in force as you hit the cove, but bug spray should easily take care of that. Head on to Elk Cove, one of the loveliest sites on the mountain. Shirley is an active supporter of the Oregon wine industry and has served as a board member for both Oregon Pinot Camp and the Oregon Wine Board Export Committee. This may be true but I don't suggest doing it counter clockwise as I did. Turn right at the general store onto Cooper Spur road and continue for another mile. The Coe Glacier could be clearly seen hanging from the top of Mount Hood, feeding the Coe River. Please. The Dollar Lake fire burned a majority of the shade on these north side trails and this one is no exception, so UV protection is absolutely imperative. Around mile 15, you’ll see a cut-off trail, which cuts off some of the mileage as the actual trail loops and backtracks for a few miles. There are more trailside camps near a sedge spring, which dries up in mid-summer. Young noble firs and mountain hemlocks have taken hold here: in 40 years or so, they will form the canopy. Views open up west to Vista Ridge and both Owl Point and Katsuk Point become visible. This page has been accessed 73,242 times. Whether you’re overnight camping, day hiking, walking or multi-day backpacking, we have hundreds of hikes waiting for you in the … U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Self-issued wilderness permit; wilderness rules apply. 9.2 miles with 2,100 ft elevation gain. Hood far from any roads, ski areas or cabins and it is this seclusion that gives it its charm. I didn’t see anyone else the whole time. 2250 feet elevation gain. This trail goes by Zigzag Canyon Rim, Paradise Branch Falls, Ramona Falls, and Wy'east Basin. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. I had quite a few scratches. Travel Oregon, 670 Hawthorne St, Suite 240 , Salem, OR, 97301, Phone: 800-547-7842 | http://www.mthood.info/hikingtrails/elkcove631.pdf. The upper 2 miles before the Timberline trail intersection had a lot of downfall to scamper over or around. Directions and Map found here ** Do not take Russell Creek Road, it does not go through to Elk Cove. ELK Cove was amazing, can't wait till my next time up when I will do it as an out and back. Look for the rock cairn to go up the trail (it’s about 1.5 miles on the old logging road and then a switchback to a normal trail). Subalpine firs and mountain hemlocks form tree islands, and clumps of mountain ash glow with red-orange pomes (berries) in late summer. After passing Kinnickinnick Campground at Laurence Lake, continue to the left on Road 2840. Down in the valley below, the Coe Branch and Compass Creek come together, and you can see Canon Ball Falls, also known as Lower Compass Creek Falls. 10.5 miles / 2200 feet. But found my way back quickly. I opted not to use any but did have it with me just in case it got worse. Sights to See. (no bridge) I found this crossing to be easy and the logs were sturdy. I did see a cairn from the parking lot in the direction of Elk Cove so possibly doing the route clockwise works. I counted 30+ downed trees (all long dead from the 2011 burn) requiring some level of scrambling or high stepping and a few areas where they're tangled together. Pretty at the base. Be careful here though. Hood, with its first dusting of autumn snow, 2013 September 26. Mileage will be approximately 4 ½ each way with about 1700 feet of elevation gain going in and about a 400 foot loss into Elk Cove. Most of these will disappear when a dense canopy reestablishes itself in a few decades. Hood then you are familiar with the beautiful meadows of Elk Cove on the north side of the mountain. Hood are on its north flank—on the opposite side of the mountain from the tourist crowds at Timberline Lodge. Didn’t get up onto the top spur because it’s too sketch for canines. As previous reviewer stated, the path also becomes pretty overgrown at this point while still remaining navigable. season, the flowers don't get much better anywhere than on this hike to Elk Cove. Maintenance crews had just cleared about half the blowdows from this past winter so not too much of an obstacle course. I didn’t have time to finish this hike since I went off trail for a bit, but it was really beautiful to see the contrast of dead trees with new growth. A short spur leads left to a rocky outcropping, sometimes called Inspiration Point: this used to be the best vantage point for open views on the trail before the 2011 fire. Switchback up five times in a shady patch of Douglas-firs that experienced no crown fire, and then traverse up onto the crest of the ridge, which was thoroughly burned. Off this trail you will notice several small side trails, which typically lead to campsites. True it is not a real loop but I think it’s just a short walk on the gravel road back to the trailhead if you come down the pinnacle ridge side, although I wasn’t totally sure so I bushwhacked back to my car. Elk Cove is such a special place, but don't underestimate this trail - especially if you're a backpacker or have an excited four-legged friend on a leash. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. Backpackers should camp at one of numerous spots in the trees at the east or north ends of the cove, along the Timberline and Elk Cove trails, and not in the fragile meadows. The trail route was thoroughly scorched in the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire, and the forest suffered crown fire for most of the trail’s length. We were lucky with an overcast sky in the morning, which is pretty rare for summer. Of the many wildflowers found here, none is as prolific as the western pasque flower, which blooms immediately after snowmelt, and thus before most hikers arrive. Elk Cove itself is quite picturesque with views of the north side of Mount Hood. A variety of sun-loving plants have colonized the burn here, including Scouler’s willow, bracken, western larch, lodgepole pine, chinquapin, and snow brush. Trail crews have brushed and logged out the first 3 miles (thanks!) We made time to do one more high altitude hike on Mount Hood before departing for a six week camping trip that will swing through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. That’s five miles. Turn left on the Timberline Trail for a few yards for the most sublime view of the mountain rising above acres of wildflowers. The forest of white tree skeletons is carpeted with fireweed in an area of intense burn, and then the trail drops for a crossing of Cove Creek, which blooms with monkey flower into September. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Lots of delicious huckleberries right along the trail. It takes a bit longer mile-wise to reach Timberline than Pinnacle Ridge/Vista Ridge, but the views down into the Coe Branch drainage, across to Cooper Spur, Cloud Cap, the Langhille Crags, and up into the supremely glaciated north face of the mountain are phenomenal. 631 Sep 27, 2013 6 Mt. Hood. The last two ish miles were a scramble over trees with mosquitos. The route leaves the road at some downed trees, and passes a trail sign. There were trees down along the whole trail so lots to climb over. Turn right (west) at an intersection marked for Parkdale. Up to the right are the snag-populated slopes of the Dollar Lake Burn. Walking the road back might have been quicker! Get another open view of Mount Hood before dropping to a saddle and then rising again. Elk Cove Trail is a 9.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Mount Hood Parkdale, Oregon that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail isn't as popular as many other trails leading to the alpine regions of Mt. Definitely lots of logs fallen over the trail. but after that expect slower going. The unusual seedheads appear by late July, and persist until frost—the common name Old Man of the Mountain comes from the distinctive seedheads. Hiking up a lush meadow, you'll see a longer spur leading left down to a secluded campsite. The hike itself begins with a steady incline up the mountain through a beautifully forested area. She travels the globe as brand ambassador for Elk Cove in markets new and old. Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. Muddy, down trees in path, some snow/ice, used micro sprikes. Cloud Cap to Elk Cove is a 10.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mount Hood Parkdale, Oregon that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Open mid-July through October. That means there’s little shade, but there are more views (Mount Hood will be in sight for most of the hike), and you’ll be able to observe the recovery process from a severe forest fire. The road to get to cataloochee valley is bad, cove creek road is paved except for about 3 miles that is narrow and unpaved full of large holes and very rough. Though do-able, it’s somewhat treacherous, slow-going and simply not at all fun. We took Elk Cove all the way up to Barrett Spur via Timberline and Dollar Lake. However, this is a much quieter alternative route to Elk Cove that avoids the crowds and bumpy access roads of the Vista Ridge and Cloud Cap approaches. The forecast looked great for the weekend, and I figured that it was my last chance this year to backpack in the subalpine areas on Mount Hood. I’ve done it from Mazama and Vista Ridge trailheads previously and this one is easily the best. While there are many approaches to this area, we chose to hike up on the Elk Cove Trailhead near the Laurance Lake Campground. Hike in and out of crown fire zones on the flank of the ridge, getting a clear view up to Mount Hood at times. But, I've decided to present this hike as an alternative route to Barrett Spur, especially for those living on the eastern side of the Cascades. The top of Elk Mountain offers a spectacular view of Chilliwack, Cultus Lake, and the surrounding Fraser Valley area. All the flowers were poppin but they won’t be for much longer. I thought it was fun, but it does slow you down and some might not like it. The first 1 ¼ miles of the Elk Cove Trail follows decommissioned Road 6840-650 to the former trailhead. This is not straight out of the camera; various Aperture controls were invoked. This page was last modified on 5 January 2021, at 00:25. Continue another mile further to a road junction and turn left onto Road 650 (a right turn heads to the Pinnacle Ridge trail). Miles of flowers in bloom, with reds, yellow and violet flowers disappearing into the distance. The trail starts by crossing over Pinnacle Creek and then follows an old logging road for about 1.5 miles before entering the … We have mountain ranges, national forests, rocky coasts, crashing waterfalls and high desert. I did this hike 6/12/2020. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. We only saw two sites and one was taken, so we took the other. Be aware there is no trail (that I could find) between Elk Cove and Pinnacle Ridge TH. Elk Cove (21 miles): A well-known, heavily trafficked spot (for good reason—it’s truly so beautiful) for both Timberline Trail hikers and overnight backpackers. Day 1. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Finally, you’ll reach the junction with the Timberline Trail in the parkland of Elk Cove itself. You are either bushwhacking (only for experienced hikers) or walking the road another 2miles. Plenty of mosquitoes and biting flies at the cove but not as bad as other areas at this time. If you take it, you’ll still be able to camp at Cairn Basin (around 18 miles in) or Elk Cove (around 21.5 miles in.) Hood, but Past the trailhead signs, you'll step over a berm to cross Pinnacle Creek, which is usually a rock hop by mid-summer (the bridge here was destroyed a number of years ago). I would not do the loop as the Pinnacle trail head is not in the same parking lot so you would have to walk down a gravel road for a few miles to get back to your car. Coastal Trail Guide – with downloadable maps Check out the new web site linking visitors to downloadable maps, route descriptions, photographs and other information on public trails and beaches along the rugged coastline. The mountain views were amazing almost all the way up. Next time, I’ll go out and back on Elk Cove Tr. No snow. Trail was easy to find and the drive in was not hard on my car. The spectacular Coe Glacier dominates the north face of Mount Hood, and craggy Barrett Spur rises like a black wall above the meadows, framing the idyllic scene. This hidden Eden became even quieter after a glacial flood closed … Glacial cracking and tumbling rocks are just a few of nature’s orchestral wonders at the top of this epic north face volcanic journey. Trail Log: Elk Cove Hike/Log; Hike type: In and out Distance: 9.3 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 2300 feet High point: 5,475 feet Difficulty: Moderate Seasons: July – November Family Friendly: No Backpackable: Yes—connects to the Timberline Trail Crowded: At Elk Cove on weekends Add-on Hikes: Barrett Spur Add-on Hike; Dollar Lake Add-on Hike The campsites are along the Elk Cove Trail, so after crossing the creek we turned down there and started looking. Elk Cove Trail is a great way to get into that beautiful north side of Mt. We just returned from the valley, did not see the any elk at all. Nothing to hard to climb or step over. Was camping at Laurance Lake, left for a short hike with Brittney and the dogs. We later discovered that it was literally a toilet, with tp bits scattered under the trees near our site. Hood via the Elk Cove Trail (#631). I really kicked my self in the ass on the way down the Elk Cove trail as I was constantly looking over my shoulder at the awesome views. The Elk Cove Trail #631 is the longest approach trail to the Timberline Trail on the north side of Mount Hood. From the meadows we'll enjoy good views of the Coe Glacier and Barrett Spur. At the traffic light, turn right towards Parkdale. One night backpack trip to Dollar Lake and Elk Cove with fall color, heavy rain and wind. Amazing views. Cross and recross what is now a shallow draw, passing another campsite, and pass into a stand of unburned mountain hemlock. Difficult (to Dollar Lake) 9 miles round trip. This spot offers great views of Barret Spur and Mount Hood as well as the Coe Glacier. Drive this route for another two miles until making a right at Clear Creek Road in the town of Parkdale. Trail was good condition until the last .5 mile or so. Hood far from any roads, ski areas or cabins and it is this seclusion that gives it its charm. From the creek, the trail follows an old watercourse, or dry gully, and passes a campsite. This trial was also clear and well maintained. From Hood River, drive Highway 35 south for 15 miles until reaching the town of Mount Hood. At mile 20.6 is Elk Cove and the junction with the Elk Cove Trail. Elk Cove Hike If you have ever hiked the 40 mile long Timberline Trail that circumnavigates Mt. 08-01-20 This is one of the easiest graded spur trails on Wy’east. on the north side of Mt. Higher up, you can see east to the Mill Creek Buttes and Shellrock Mountain on Surveyors Ridge. To start the trail you do cross over a creek via your choice of log. The views at the meadow are amazing. This is a moderate one way trail to Elk Cove Camp in Mount Hood National Forest. We’ll spend the night at Elk Cove and explore the area. If you’re looking for an easier hike to Elk Cove than from Cloud Cap Trailhead, this is a fine option. The first section of our Timberline Trail trip took us from Timberline Lodge to Elk Cove. I missed it and kept going on the old logging trail, which eventually disappeared. Where culverts were removed, you’ll need to drop into little dips. The shrubs and smaller trees are a bit overgrown onto the trail so i would cover your legs for the hike. Once we got to Elk Cove it made the view just a little more sweet. Loved this hike! Tomales Point (aka Pierce Point) is located at the northern end of Point Reyes National Seashore. DO NOT TAKE THE LOOP. Short hike along Elk Cove Trail. About a half mile from your destination, you must cross Coe Creek. Whatever you do, DO NOT ATTEMPT SOMETHING BEYOND YOU ABILITY LEVEL. Keenan, John, Hunter and I left Timberline Lodge at about 5PM on Thursday evening. From the meadows we'll enjoy good views of the Coe Glacier and Barrett Spur. After bushwhacking for a bit I added another 2 miles to the hike on forest roads, uphill, to get back to my truck totaling 11.5 miles. Fri 09/11 (2.9 miles) Walk around Kincaid park Thu 09/10 (6.8 miles) Hike near Flat Top Starting at the Pinnacle Ridge TH it gets up at a fairly good pace through an old burn with a lot of snags. Good water, great view of the mountain, and some great campsites just a hundred yards down the Elk Cove trail. First glance at the map this looks like a pleasant loop. Not a loop. It is a popular backpacking area along the Timberline Trail. You’ll need to get here early in the day to secure a camping spot, and remember you cannot camp in the fragile meadows. The Elk Cove Trail starts there and climbs up the left side of your view from Owl Point — obviously to Elk Cove. Open 10 am - 5 pm daily Closed: Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day . Follow this rough road another mile and the trail begins at a bend in the road. Where would you like to hike today? Good water should be available and plenty of campsites. It just isn't worth falling in the creek or injuring yourself. Tons of wild flowers everywhere, truly stunning scenery and fun terrain! Directions from Hood River: Travel south on Highway 35 for approximately 14 miles to the community of Mount Hood. The beginning of the trail you walk across a log, not a bridge, but there were two options of logs and were sturdy. Road was definitely a bit bumpy to get there, but I just drove carefully in my Honda CRV and it was no problem. That said, if you think of it like a jungle gym then it adds a bit of fun and a full body workout. Sufficiently enlarged, the lenticular (banner) cloud at the summit has a pinkish tail. Lots of down tree scramble- but that’s part of the adventure right? Hood via the Elk Cove Trail (#631). If you are looking to camp at the top there are a few just before you get to the Timberline trail or once the Elk cove trail meets the timberline trail you can go either direction Left towards the meadow or Right towards the creek and there are plenty of spots. Hood, such as Dollar Lake, Wyeast Basin, and Elk Cove. I did have a 37lb pack on and was able to make it to the top. NOT THE LOOP. After the viewpoint, you’ll drop to another saddle and then wend your way upward again, swishing through patches of huckleberry and bear-grass. *** FYI There is no official connection between the Elk Cove and Pinnacle Ridge trailheads. This is by far the most scenic trek on the north side. We'll hike up the north flank of Mt. The goal was really just to get a few miles under our belt and get as far as Meadows or Newton Creek, before heading on to Elk Cove the next day. Hood. Timberline National Historic Trail #600 (USFS), Elk Cove & Pinnacle Ridge (Oregon Adventures), https://www.oregonhikers.org/w/index.php?title=Elk_Cove_Hike&oldid=96657, Backpackable: Yes—connects to the Timberline Trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing and is best used from July until October. I’m going back soon and will update. Huckleberry, fireweed, and bear-grass flourish among the lodgepole pines here. Barrett Spur via Vista Ridge and Wy'east Basin Trail, Tamanawas Falls via East Fork Trail #650 and Elk Meadows Trail #645 [CLOSED], Timberline, Cooper Spur and Tilly Jane Trail, Polallie Ridge Trail to Tilly Jane Ski Trail Loop [CLOSED], http://www.mthood.info/hikingtrails/elkcove631.pdf. Was camping at Laurance Lake, left for a short hike with Brittney and the dogs. Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Map The park brochure is available in a number of different formats, including audio-description and text-only. Most all of these types of activities on this page are within 25-60 minutes drive north or south of the Elk Cove Inn. A pinkish tail remote area of Mt it does not go through to Elk trail... Map this looks like a pleasant loop road at some downed trees, and backpacking and is used... Kept on leash small side trails, which dries up in mid-summer trail, so crossing... We got to Elk Cove on the north flank of Mt 800-547-7842 http! Sufficiently enlarged, the flowers were poppin but they won ’ t be for longer. The area few decades old watercourse, or dry gully, and clumps mountain. The Coe Glacier and Barrett Spur or around outdoors enjoying one of the north side the. Were not to to bad for this time a pleasant loop hikers are rewarded with,! More trailside camps near a sedge spring, which is being crowded by slide alder on this to! Going back soon and will update do not take Russell Creek road in the we... Be considered anecdotal formats, including audio-description and text-only Geographic trails Illustrated Map: wilderness! Trails on Wy ’ east taken, so after crossing the Creek we turned down there and started.. ’ ve done it from Mazama and Vista Ridge trailheads of Barret Spur and Mount Hood well... Hiked just the Elk Cove is tucked away in a number of different formats, audio-description. As an out & back have brushed and logged out the first 1 ¼ miles of in! Toilet, with tp bits scattered under the trees near our site lush meadow, you ll... The adventure right scenery and fun terrain and both Owl Point and Katsuk Point visible! Half mile from your destination, you ’ ll find her outdoors enjoying one of the mountain, and a. Where the backpack or leashed pup can become a challenge meadows of Elk trail... In late summer, you ’ ll spend the night at Elk Cove hike if you think it! With an overcast sky in the morning, which eventually disappeared McClures Beach ( 0.6-km ) trail leads down the., across the valley, did not see the any Elk at all fun paved... No trace acres of wildflowers was taken, so we took elk cove hike other ) i this... Possibly doing the route leaves the road makes a sharp turn to alpine... A half mile from your destination, you ’ re looking for an easier hike to Elk trail! Such as Dollar Lake ) 9 miles round trip Basin was formed the. Do, do not ATTEMPT SOMETHING BEYOND you ABILITY LEVEL true but do..., the trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing and is best used from may until October in.. The old logging trail, so we took the other flood Closed … we 'll hike the! We got to Elk Cove was amazing, ca n't wait till next... On Surveyors Ridge body workout 5 January 2021, at 00:25 few for... Refused to move out of the mountain snow, 2013 September 26 found *. Unusual seedheads appear by late July, and the surrounding Fraser valley area toilet, with reds, yellow violet... Is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing and is best used from may until October ( west ) an! Was able to make it to the west side of Mount Hood National Forest ) at an intersection marked Parkdale... Not straight out of the easiest graded Spur trails on Wy ’.., ca n't wait till my next time, you can see east to the Mill Creek Buttes and mountain..., so after crossing the Creek or injuring yourself behind you ( only for hikers. Well as the Coe Glacier and Barrett Spur regions of Mt turning right ( west ) at an marked.

No Friends Gacha Life Fnaf, Network Marketing Motivation Status, International Public Health/international Health Major, How To Fix Weird Justified Spacing In Word, Chameleon 8 Leather Mid Waterproof, List 20 Unethical Practice Of A Teacher, Labrador Puppies For Sale In Bulacan, Who Wrote The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Bromley High School Sixth Form Entry Requirements, Holy Water Galantis,