Switchback down and reach a chute below sheer cliffs. 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. Tillamook State Forest. Junction Kings Mt Trailhead. 882 ft. Altitude start. Bear left here where the sign says the Elk Creek Campground is 3.5 miles, and cross a footbridge over Dog Creek. Follow the directions above from the parking area to the trail. Follow this trail 0.1 mile to its junction with Elk Meadows Trail #645. This trail goes by Elk Creek Campground and Kings Mountain. At a TRAIL sign, switchback up to the left to reach the ridge crest again. A forest hike up to, and along the ridgeline of Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain. Also recommend going counter clockwise, up Elks first, to avoid more people. This page has been accessed 125,379 times. You'll drop to another little saddle and then continue steeply up. I suggest bringing poles because there are some difficult to navigate rocky spots when going down hill. An awesome misty, wet day for a grueling loop hike through Tillamook Forest. Then head up steeply on a rocky spine to a clifftop viewpoint over Highway 6 and the Wilson River. The road continues over a bridge to a parking area. 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. 1987-2020. The trail is wide and easy to navigate but the top section is … well worth the relentlessly steep climb. the summit, Elk Mountain Trail begins to follow an old road. You won't take a step on flat ground the whole way. 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. Downloading of trail gps tracks in kml & gpx formats is enabled for Elk Basin. The road continues over a bridge to a parking area. Descend steeply again, using a series of rock "steps," and soon pass the 2,500' marker. And you thought the 25K was a steep and technical course. Elk Mountain Trail begins in earnest - it will be clear how steep this trail can be from the very beginning. Runners will summit two mountains – Elk and Kings Mountains – and involve 5,800 feet of gain. We saw multiple snakes basking on the sun. The trail switchbacks and traverses a precipitous slope. There are essentially no switchbacks and the trail has lots of small, loose rock, so be careful not to slide down the mountain. 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. Good for a quick workout if you are close by but can easily be made longer. Location: 45.598696, -123.507357. 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! Sign the Mazamas-maintained summit register if you wish, and note the 3,226’ elevation sign. Pass below some rugged cliffs, and then undulate along through shady woods and thickets of Sitka alder, devil’s club, and thimbleberry. The Elkhorn Crest Trail (#1611) was established as a National Recreation Trail in 1979. The view of the Oregon coastal range is stunning as you climb higher and higher above the surrounding hills and valleys. Sword fern dominates the understory. To first tackle Elk Mountain, start just past the Elk Creek Campground. About Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain loop trail, Oregon Coastal Range. For the Elk Mountain hike, start just past the Elk Creek Campground. 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. There are two trails out of the trailhead. going back tomorrow! Altitude change. You'll drop to cross a creek before making another traverse to get a view of the valley of the Devils Fork Wilson River. Eventually, the trail rises to a viewpoint of Kings Mountain's west ridge, with Lester Creek in the bowl below. 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. Here, go right (it's 1.4 miles to the summit) in a Douglas-fir, vine maple, salal, and sword fern woodland. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. After crossing a trickling creek, the trail levels on an old road bed. Location: 45.598868, -123.5074. Hiking info, trail maps, and trip reports from Elk Mountain (5,427 ft) in Oregon ... such as Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer which summer in the high mountains and winter on the lower, warmer slopes. Scramble through a narrow cleft, and climb up another steep section of trail to get more views. Welcome to Elk Mountain Newfoundlands "Providing Quality Family Companions" Dan and Kathy Webster. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. 2020. 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. From here, you'll get your first view of the summit of Elk Mountain. The trail drops steeply again from this point until you reach a level section where there's a sign that tells you you're 0.63 miles from the summit. The diversity of flowers blooming is a nice bonus. I still don't believe it was only 1.4 miles up. Soon, wind steeply up and make four switchbacks before switchbacking down across a flowery open space. The Elk Mountain “trail” has lots of this nonsense. Reach another logging road, and rise slightly past the shortcut road. A real mountain race! Make sure to take your poles for your way down. And then there is Elk Mountain, whose steepness I struggle to explain. Then hike below a rock outcrop and along a narrow crest before making steep scrambles down, up, and then down again. 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. for such a short trail, it was pretty rough. But for those brave enough to take on the challenge, this trail is one of the gems of Oregon's Coast Range. The top of Elk Mountain offers a spectacular view of Chilliwack, Cultus Lake, and the surrounding Fraser Valley area. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from March until September. Share Wilson River Trail section with mountain bikers. Trail Description. It is relentless. 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. The 25Krace is a very steep and technical course run on single-track trails in the Tillamook State Forest. If you like to bomb it on the way down sticks are useful. For a tough day in the forest! The Elk Creek – Kings Mountain Loop explores a rugged area of Oregon's Coast Range. The trail levels in Douglas-fir woods and then drops slightly, heading down a ridge with a rushing creek to the right. Begin a steep descent, and head into dense Oregon forest. Elk Mountain Trail, located near Tillamook County, Oregon is a 1.8 mile hiking, trail running and walking trail with a top elevation of 2788 feet. 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. Explore more in our professional, high quality trail guides and outdoor reviews. To the left, Kings Mountain summit is 1.3 arduous miles, or hikers may continue on Elk Mt. After dropping steeply, you'll reach a narrow ridge and make a switchback down around an outcropping before heading up over a small saddle. Keep following the road bed, which is verged with small colonies of bear-grass. 3.75/5 Difficulty. Check for snow levels before attempting this hike in winter; do not attempt this hike when it's icy! It helps for sure. The trail rises past a couple of bogs off to the left. Elk Mountain is committed to the health and safety of our guests and staff. Drop a little, and then find your way up a short scramble section. Switchback to get more open views and keep steeply up. 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. Take in the great views to Kings Mountain across the forested bowl between the two peaks. Descend steeply to a saddle, and then head steeply up again. Bridge. We went counterclockwise and it had a LOT of climbing involved. The path drops to a saddle again, and then you’re ascending to get views to the east across a stand of alders. After a short descent, you'll continue to rise gradually and then make a wide switchback up. 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. Appropriate traction and gear is definitely recommended. At a paintbrush/desert parsley meadow, there are open views to the west. Make three more switchbacks to reach the ridge crest and get a view to Kings Mountain. Trail 0.75 miles to Elk Creek Trail which returns to Elk Creek Campground in 4.0 miles. Carry water - there are (almost) no sources of water along the trails. The trail levels in shady woods at a viewpoint over the big bowl between the two mountains. Elk Mountain trail to Mount Thurston – the basics. There’s a steep scramble down from the summit as you continue. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. The trail starts off level in a mixed forest until you get to a patrol cabin. Hood to the Pacific Ocean past Tillamook Bay. Serviceberry blooms here in the spring, and tiger lilies display in early summer. The trail passes the 2,000’ level and winds down with a creek on the left. The highest point in the range is Rock Creek Butte, which is 9,106 feet (2,776 m) above sea level. great exercise and a great way to test mental and physical fitness. This and the danger factor made it one of my favorite trails. The trail then passes through a thimbleberry thicket, switchbacks twice, and makes a traverse before winding up steeply. Climb, climb, climb, climb then when you think you're reaching the top repeat. The path switchbacks under alders and descends on an old road bed and then becomes more gradual. Take the Elk Mountain/Wilson River Trail up past a sign. 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 … After you cross a one-log bridge, you'll pass through a thimbleberry thicket. Keyes Mountain Ranch is made up of 2,124 acres situated in Wheeler County, just a short distance from Mitchell, Oregon. Views everywhere. You'll ascend gently to another road bed and drop to an alder saddle from which the view west is now obscured by trees. The large stumps in these woods attest to much logging in the years before the Tillamook Burn. Elk Creek Trail, located near Elk Creek, offers a mile of hiking and several picnic sites. Turn left to hike down the road bed below a rock face. 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. Elk Creek Trail Then enter Douglas-fir woods, pass a picnic table, and wind down steeply. Several spots are very steep so recommend poles for the downhill to prevent falls in the loose gravel. 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. Dogs are also able to … This is an awesome trail. A very steep trail with loose footing to the summit of Elk Mountain and beyond with numerous viewpoints along the way Near Banks, Oregon. 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. 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. Continue one more mile to reach the junction with Kings Mountain Trail. Distance: 17km (although my phone thinks it was 19km!) Cross Big Creek, and switchback up twice. Loose scree, steep grades, and narrow trails make up a majority of the trail. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Please. This page was last modified on 27 September 2020, at 23:15. All around this hike is hard on the glutes and worth it every step. Hiking poles. This is a moderate loop trail to Elk Mountain in Tillamook State Forest. Good trail I have learned to like. The road bed switchbacks again to the left and then switchbacks right at a cairn. 1,982 ft. Altitude min. Please be aware that exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present. Switchback at a view of a creek and then head gradually down under alders to the Wilson River-Kings Mountain Trail Junction. If you are doing the loop then the backside of Elks is a bit sketchy when it's rainy or snowy. The trail switchbacks, and you'll see large decaying stumps left from the Tillamook Burn. This is a challenging hike. The path rises in Douglas-fir woods and drops to an old road bed. 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. The old snags are now shaded by Douglas-fir, ocean spray, red huckleberry, and bracken. Look for rare copperbush shrubs that will bloom here in the summer. Make a right to return to the trailhead. There are two trails out of the trailhead. Loose scree, steep grades, and narrow trails make up a majority of the trail. 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. There should be a fixed rope here to assist your scramble. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until September. I would not bring a dog here at all due to the ledges You would have to lift your dog over. ELK MOUNTAIN TRAILS. Northwest Oregon. The trail is fairly well kept, but very slick. 882 ft. Altitude end. 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 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. This description begins at the latter. Then you drop down the side of the ridge below a rocky outcrop. 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. 2,864 ft. Grade. I would not recommend this trail to anyone with kids or small/old dogs. The trail drops to the left, crosses the head of a small gully, and heads up a ridge to wind down steeply. There is a section where you have to ascend/descend using a rope, so be prepared for that. DAMN. Here, go right (it's … The trail climbs nearly 2,000 feet in less than 2 miles, and the steepness is compounded by loose footing almost the entire way. I would recommend this trail to anyone that wants a challenging hike with rewarding views. Reaching the summit of Elk Mountain is an arduous task. Enterprise, Oregon E-mail: elkmtnewfs@gmail.com Phone: 541-263-0464 We respect and will respond to all inquiries. Elk Mountain – 6.6mi / 10.6. Oregon Henge The Elkhorn Mountains are a mountain range, part of the Blue Mountains, in the northeastern part of Oregon in the United States. It’s actually over 11 miles versus what the app says. I’d suggest going clockwise for the loop and tackling King’s Mtn prior to Elk’s Mtn. The hike itself begins with a steady incline up the mountain through a beautifully forested area. The Mazamas have adopted these trails, so they are well marked and well maintained. Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain are two popular hiking destinations in Oregon's Coast Range. 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