| About Mount Hood National Forest |
|
|
| Elk Meadows Loop Trail |
Content provided by |
|
|
|
Difficulty:
Moderate to More Difficult
High Point:
5,900 Feet
Length:
7.8 Miles
Low Point:
4,500 Feet
Trail Number:
645, 652A, 600, 646
Reservation:
No
Season:
Late June - Mid-October
From Hood River, Travel south on Highway 35 for approximately 33 miles. Turn right at the Hood River Meadows Nordic ski area sign and drive to the trailhead parking lot on the right.
Location Information
In order to complete the Elk Meadows Loop Trail, follow Elk Meadows trail north, passing a wilderness entry sign and crossing the footbridge leading over Clark Creek. At the one mile point, come to a junction with the Newton Creek Trail #646. Continue straight ahead and use caution crossing Newton Creek on logs and rocks. Climb a series of switchbacks to a saddle in the ridge and a four-way trail junction. To the left (west), the Gnarl Ridge Trail #652 climbs to the Timberline trail. To the right (east), the Bluegrass Ridge trail climbs to Elk Mountain (nice views of Mount Hood and the Hood River Valley). Continue straight ahead to a a junction with the Elk Meadows perimeter trail. Follow the Elk Meadows trail to the right, passing a junction with the Bluegrass Ridge Tie Trail #652A and Gnarl Ridge Trail #652 to a junction with Timberline Trail #600. Turn left (south) on the Timberline trail to Newton Creek. Caution: Newton Creek is not bridged - crossing may be difficult at times depending on flow conditions and the ability of hikers. A short distance beyond the creek is a junction with the Newton Creek trail. Follow the trail downhill to the Elk Meadows trail. Turn right to return to the parking area.
|
|
More Resources at Wildernet |
|
|
