The Elkhorn Crest Trail (#1611) was established as a National Recreation Trail in 1979. Reaching the summit of Elk Mountain is an arduous task. Plenty of water and food. For a tough day in the forest! On a clear day, you'll get a view of Mount Hood from this area. All around this hike is hard on the glutes and worth it every step. Sign the Mazamas summit register if you wish. Enterprise, Oregon E-mail: elkmtnewfs@gmail.com Phone: 541-263-0464 We respect and will respond to all inquiries. It helps for sure. Keyes Mountain Ranch is made up of 2,124 acres situated in Wheeler County, just a short distance from Mitchell, Oregon. We saw multiple snakes basking on the sun. I never expected such a workout on a relatively short trail. 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. Take the Elk Mountain/Wilson River Trail up past a sign. Elk Mountain lies in the Coast Range of Oregon in between Portland and the coast. There’s a steep scramble down from the summit as you continue. 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. 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). Elk Creek Trail To first tackle Elk Mountain, start just past the Elk Creek Campground. Explore more in our professional, high quality trail guides and outdoor reviews. 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. 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. I would not bring a dog here at all due to the ledges You would have to lift your dog over. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until September. An awesome misty, wet day for a grueling loop hike through Tillamook Forest. The road continues over a bridge to a parking area. 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. Super short but steep hike. 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. 3.75/5 Difficulty. A FINAL FAREWELL. There is a section where you have to ascend/descend using a rope, so be prepared for that. This hike is not for the faint of heart, but its one-of-a-kind views are exceptional. 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 Mazamas have adopted these trails, so they are well marked and well maintained. 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. 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. For the Elk Mountain hike, start just past the Elk Creek Campground. Loose scree, steep grades, and narrow trails make up a majority of the trail. The diversity of flowers blooming is a nice bonus. This 10.9-mile hike is a fantastic route through the dramatic terrain of the northern Coast Turn left to hike down the road bed below a rock face. From here, you'll get your first view of the summit of Elk Mountain. Bear left at this three way junction to continue on the river trail, or continue straight to reach the Kings Mountain trailhead parking lot. With 180 skiable acres and 27 trails, skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will feel right at home on the mountain. Follow the directions above from the parking area to the trail. The trail is wide and easy to navigate but the top section is … 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. Then you drop down the side of the ridge below a rocky outcrop. The trail drops to a small saddle, and then rises precipitously again for more views. The trail rises past a couple of bogs off to the left. This is a challenging hike. Views everywhere. The path levels on a shady ridge, from which it’s a short hop up to the summit. Begin a steep descent, and head into dense Oregon forest. The trail passes the 2,000’ level and winds down with a creek on the left. Location: 45.598868, -123.5074. The Elk Creek – Kings Mountain Loop explores a rugged area of Oregon's Coast Range. This page has been accessed 125,379 times. 2,864 ft. Grade. The view of the Oregon coastal range is stunning as you climb higher and higher above the surrounding hills and valleys. The trail levels in shady woods at a viewpoint over the big bowl between the two mountains. Cross Big Creek, and switchback up twice. This and the danger factor made it one of my favorite trails. It’s actually over 11 miles versus what the app says. There are two trails out of the trailhead. The large stumps in these woods attest to much logging in the years before the Tillamook Burn. DAMN. The 25Krace is a very steep and technical course run on single-track trails in the Tillamook State Forest. Make a right to return to the trailhead. Hiking info, trail maps, and trip reports from Elk Mountain (5,617 ft) in Oregon 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. A very steep trail with loose footing to the summit of Elk Mountain and beyond with numerous viewpoints along the way Near Banks, Oregon. Oregon Henge Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain are two popular hiking destinations in 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. After you cross a one-log bridge, you'll pass through a thimbleberry thicket. This Tillamook forest race is a tough, but you are up for it. The trail climbs nearly 2,000 feet in less than 2 miles, and the steepness is compounded by loose footing almost the entire way. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The path rises in Douglas-fir woods and drops to an old road bed. About Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain loop trail, Oregon Coastal Range. Scramble through a narrow cleft, and climb up another steep section of trail to get more views. This is a moderate loop trail to Elk Mountain in Tillamook State Forest. Appropriate traction and gear is definitely recommended. The old snags are now shaded by Douglas-fir, ocean spray, red huckleberry, and bracken. Hiking poles. The trail starts off level in a mixed forest until you get to a patrol cabin. Then enter Douglas-fir woods, pass a picnic table, and wind down steeply. 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. Loose scree, steep grades, and narrow trails make up a majority of the trail. 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. Switchback down and reach a chute below sheer cliffs. Instead bringing a cheap pair of light garden gloves to pull yourself up. Sword fern dominates the understory. This page was last modified on 27 September 2020, at 23:15. There are two trails out of the trailhead. The path switchbacks under alders and descends on an old road bed and then becomes more gradual. A forest hike up to, and along the ridgeline of Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain. 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. 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. 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. You won't take a step on flat ground the whole way. 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. Bridge. You'll drop to another little saddle and then continue steeply up. 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. Trail Description. The trail levels on a Douglas-fir ridge with a 2,500 foot sign near a waterless campsite. The trail is fairly well kept, but very slick. Dogs are also able to … Elk Mountain trail to Mount Thurston – the basics. And you thought the 25K was a steep and technical course. 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. Recommend! Northwest Oregon. Arrive 8am or before to beat the crowd. Junction Kings Mt Trailhead. Continue one more mile to reach the junction with Kings Mountain Trail. Happy Trails! This is an awesome trail. If you are doing the loop then the backside of Elks is a bit sketchy when it's rainy or snowy. 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. 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. Distance: 17km (although my phone thinks it was 19km!) Come experience the Elk Mountain difference. Reaching the summit of Elk Mountain is an arduous task. There are also wonderful rock gardens of wildflowers along this section. 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