Nestled into Oregon’s Coast Range about 30 minutes east of Tillamook, Elk Mountain is a tough little hike that rewards visitors with views of the old volcanic mountains above the Pacific Ocean. I wouldn't take young kids or short legged dogs. Definitely difficult. The Elk Mountain trail is just over 3.2 miles from trailhead to summit and back, but you can proceed to either King’s Mountain or the Elk Creek trail for a longer trek. Hood to the Pacific Ocean past Tillamook Bay. The trail heads through a sunny opening and then makes a rising traverse. You should evaluate your own level of risk when determining whether or not to visit Elk Mountain. Instead bringing a cheap pair of light garden gloves to pull yourself up. 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 … 2,864 ft. Grade. Reaching the summit of Elk Mountain is an arduous task. Hiking poles. Switchback at a view of a creek and then head gradually down under alders to the Wilson River-Kings Mountain Trail Junction. Oregon Henge For the Elk Mountain hike, start just past the Elk Creek Campground. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. Sign the Mazamas summit register if you wish. There are two trails out of the trailhead. The Elkhorn Crest Trail (#1611) was established as a National Recreation Trail in 1979. The trail rises past a couple of bogs off to the left. Reaching the summit of Elk Mountain is an arduous task. This valley was also provided passage for the Oregon Trail and some travelers settled here and the nearby Grande Round valley to the north. This hike is not for the faint of heart, but its one-of-a-kind views are exceptional. Come experience the Elk Mountain difference. About 3.6 miles from the Elk Creek Trailhead, you'll reach the Elk Mountain-Kings Mountain Trail Junction, where the sign says the Kings Mountain summit is 1.3 miles away. Continue one more mile to reach the junction with Kings Mountain Trail. Climb, climb, climb, climb then when you think you're reaching the top repeat. The old snags are now shaded by Douglas-fir, ocean spray, red huckleberry, and bracken. Elk Mountain trail to Mount Thurston – the basics. It helps for sure. Location: 45.598868, -123.5074. To first tackle Elk Mountain, start just past the Elk Creek Campground. 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. Elk Creek Trail mountain bike trail near Timber, OR; Overview; Photos (0) Videos (0) Reports (1) Comments (0) 3D Tour; Leaderboard; ... More Stats for Elk Creek Trail mountain bike trail trail. The road continues over a bridge to a parking area. After a short descent, you'll continue to rise gradually and then make a wide switchback up. Plenty of water and food. ELK MOUNTAIN TRAILS. 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. 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. 1987-2020. The 25Krace is a very steep and technical course run on single-track trails in the Tillamook State Forest. This description begins at the latter. 1,982 ft. Altitude min. Just past the cabin, the trail begins climbing through the trees and does not let up for almost 2.5 miles until you reach the top. The trail then passes through a thimbleberry thicket, switchbacks twice, and makes a traverse before winding up steeply. I still don't believe it was only 1.4 miles up. From here, you'll get your first view of the summit of Elk Mountain. Loose scree, steep grades, and narrow trails make up a majority of the trail. great exercise and a great way to test mental and physical fitness. The trail climbs nearly 2,000 feet in a mile and a half, and the steepness is compounded by loose footing almost the entire way. Elk Mountain Loop Trail is a 10.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Tillamook, Oregon that features a river and is rated as difficult. This Tillamook forest race is a tough, but you are up for it. The property is located in the Fossil Hunting Unit, which bodes well for the avid hunter because not only do you get Land Owner Preference tags, but the Fossil Unit is also a 100% rifle elk draw in the Oregon tag lottery. Bear left here where the sign says the Elk Creek Campground is 3.5 miles, and cross a footbridge over Dog Creek. Good trail I have learned to like. This challenging loop takes in both peaks, connecting them via the Wilson River Trail and trail connections on the back sides of both peaks that involve a couple of scramble sections. Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain are two popular hiking destinations in Oregon's Coast Range. To the left, Kings Mountain summit is 1.3 arduous miles, or hikers may continue on Elk Mt. The path drops to a saddle again, and then you’re ascending to get views to the east across a stand of alders. With 180 skiable acres and 27 trails, skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will feel right at home on the mountain. Most people prefer to do the loop counter clockwise, beginning at either the Kings Mountain Trailhead to do the Wilson River Trail section first or at the Elk Creek Trailhead. The trail switchbacks, and you'll see large decaying stumps left from the Tillamook Burn. At a paintbrush/desert parsley meadow, there are open views to the west. You'll make several short switchbacks down, head along a ridge, and then drop off of it below a mossy wall. Switchback down and reach a chute below sheer cliffs. Make sure to take your poles for your way down. The diversity of flowers blooming is a nice bonus. And you thought the 25K was a steep and technical course. I suggest bringing poles because there are some difficult to navigate rocky spots when going down hill. There are two trails out of the trailhead. But for those brave enough to take on the challenge, this trail is one of the gems of Oregon's Coast Range. A spur leads right 60 feet to a viewpoint of the mountain's west ridge. At a TRAIL sign, switchback up to the left to reach the ridge crest again. I would not bring a dog here at all due to the ledges You would have to lift your dog over. There’s a steep scramble down from the summit as you continue. This is a challenging hike. Begin a steep descent, and head into dense Oregon forest. Descend steeply to a saddle, and then head steeply up again. The trail levels in Douglas-fir woods and then drops slightly, heading down a ridge with a rushing creek to the right. well worth the relentlessly steep climb. Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. It's not a very high mountain but the trail to it's summit makes for a strenuous little hike to a view that ranges from Mt. Take the Elk Mountain/Wilson River Trail up past a sign. Enterprise, Oregon E-mail: elkmtnewfs@gmail.com Phone: 541-263-0464 We respect and will respond to all inquiries. I’d suggest going clockwise for the loop and tackling King’s Mtn prior to Elk’s Mtn. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from March until September. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until September. Share Wilson River Trail section with mountain bikers. Elk Mountain – 6.6mi / 10.6. After you cross a one-log bridge, you'll pass through a thimbleberry thicket. 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. Descend steeply again, using a series of rock "steps," and soon pass the 2,500' marker. All around this hike is hard on the glutes and worth it every step. Loose scree, steep grades, and narrow trails make up a majority of the trail. You won't take a step on flat ground the whole way. Cross Big Creek, and switchback up twice. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Good for a quick workout if you are close by but can easily be made longer. If you are doing the loop then the backside of Elks is a bit sketchy when it's rainy or snowy. Hiking info, trail maps, and trip reports from Elk Mountain (5,617 ft) in Oregon Here, go right (it's 1.4 miles to the summit) in a Douglas-fir, vine maple, salal, and sword fern woodland. When you get to the summit of Kings Mountain, you can enjoy more views west of the Lester Creek valley, Coronary Ridge, the Lester Creek Pinnacles, the alder-shaded road bed that is the Wilson River Trail, and the North Fork Wilson River. The path rises in Douglas-fir woods and drops to an old road bed. A real mountain race! You'll drop to cross a creek before making another traverse to get a view of the valley of the Devils Fork Wilson River. A very steep trail with loose footing to the summit of Elk Mountain and beyond with numerous viewpoints along the way Near Banks, Oregon. Reaching the summit of Elk Mountain is an arduous task. Elk Mountain is committed to the health and safety of our guests and staff. Make three more switchbacks to reach the ridge crest and get a view to Kings Mountain. The hike itself begins with a steady incline up the mountain through a beautifully forested area. Elk Creek Trail, located near Elk Creek, offers a mile of hiking and several picnic sites. Northwest Oregon. 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. The trail is fairly well kept, but very slick. Several spots are very steep so recommend poles for the downhill to prevent falls in the loose gravel. About Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain loop trail, Oregon Coastal Range. Then you drop down the side of the ridge below a rocky outcrop. The road continues over a bridge to a parking area. The trail switchbacks and traverses a precipitous slope. The loop can be done most months of the year, depending on snow depth, but you'll want to tackle it in good weather. This and the danger factor made it one of my favorite trails. If you like to bomb it on the way down sticks are useful. The highest point in the range is Rock Creek Butte, which is 9,106 feet (2,776 m) above sea level. Switchback to get more open views and keep steeply up. Elk Mountain Trail begins in earnest - it will be clear how steep this trail can be from the very beginning. 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. Follow this trail 0.1 mile to its junction with Elk Meadows Trail #645. 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. Soon, wind steeply up and make four switchbacks before switchbacking down across a flowery open space. This is an awesome trail. There are essentially no switchbacks and the trail has lots of small, loose rock, so be careful not to slide down the mountain. Keyes Mountain Ranch is made up of 2,124 acres situated in Wheeler County, just a short distance from Mitchell, Oregon. ended up doing the elk mountain summit instead of the original trail. We saw multiple snakes basking on the sun. Hiking info, trail maps, and trip reports from Elk Mountain (5,427 ft) in Oregon An awesome misty, wet day for a grueling loop hike through Tillamook Forest. I would not recommend this trail to anyone with kids or small/old dogs. The trail is wide and easy to navigate but the top section is … The twin peaks of Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain are located next to each other in the Tillamook State Forest in Oregon's Coast Range. The trail rises in lush woods under a canopy of red alder before a steeper section takes you to the Wilson River-Elk Mountain Trail Junction after 0.2 miles. Elk Mountain lies in the Coast Range of Oregon in between Portland and the coast. 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. We pledge to only breed Newfoundland dogs that: Have excellent temperaments; Are physically sound Also recommend going counter clockwise, up Elks first, to avoid more people. Then enter Douglas-fir woods, pass a picnic table, and wind down steeply. Keep following the road bed, which is verged with small colonies of bear-grass. Sword fern dominates the understory. Welcome to Elk Mountain Newfoundlands "Providing Quality Family Companions" Dan and Kathy Webster. Happy Trails! This challenging loop takes in both peaks, connecting them via the Wilson River Trail and trail connections on the back sides of both peaks that involve a couple of scramble sections. I would recommend this trail to anyone that wants a challenging hike with rewarding views. 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). 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. The path levels on a shady ridge, from which it’s a short hop up to the summit. Appropriate traction and gear is definitely recommended. 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. A FINAL FAREWELL. DAMN. Make a level traverse as the old road, on a short cut, drops steeply down to the right. 882 ft. Altitude end. Take the Elk Mountain/Wilson River Trail up past a sign. Each is a great adventure in its own right, but those who are feeling adventurous can explore the traverse between Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain. Dogs are also able to … Please. And then there is Elk Mountain, whose steepness I struggle to explain. 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