15. MOUNT ELLINOR

OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

Mount Ellinor is an Olympic classic delivering iconic views of Lake Cushman,Hood Canal and the eastern Olympic front. One of the most popular hikesin the Olympics, folks of all hiking backgrounds ascend this peak every yearto relish in those views. But note, Ellinor is no easy hike. It’s extremely steepand involves negotiating a rocky summit with precipitous drops. It can be adangerous hike in inclement weather and when snow covered.

There is an upper trailhead that shortens this hike by more than three miles and knocks eight hundred feet of elevation off. If your intent is to just get to the summit, then head to the upper trailhead. Otherwise, start at the lower trailhead and enjoy primeval forest groves and perhaps a little solitude at this very popular destination. Immediately enter a forest of old growth hemlock and Douglas-fir with

a rhododendron understory. At .2 mile stay right at a junction. The way left leads downhill to the Big Creek Loop. Now skirt the edge of an old clear-cut and enjoy teaser views of the peak ahead. Then steadily ascend a heavily forested ridge coming to a junction at 1.6 miles. The trail right leads to the upper trailhead. Stay left soon coming to another junction with another trail leading to the upper trailhead.

Now joining plenty of other hikers, head left and steeply climb. At 2.4 miles bear left where the winter route leads right. Trees soon yield to meadows and rocky gardens. Give thanks to the Mount Rose Trail Crew for carving this trail into the steep mountain face. Utilizing steps ascend an incredibly steep slope. Pause to admire carpeting flowers and an amazing view unfurling before you. Traverse beneath the summit block and then bend left and clamber up a rocky ridge reaching Ellinor’s 5944-foot summit.

Nearly one vertical mile below is shimmering Lake Cushman. Just beyond Hood Canal and Puget Sound sparkle against a Cascades backdrop dominated by Mount Rainier and Mount St Helens. Turn your attention north and westward to a diorama of jagged Olympic Peaks. Icy Olympus can be seen in the distance. And be sure to gaze straight down into the Jefferson Creek Valley and spot an isolated little pond. Ellinor’s non-native mountain goats may make an alpine appearance as well.

Highlights: Views of Lake Cushman and Hood Canal, Distance: 6.6 miles round trip Elevation gain: 3270 feet Difficulty: Strenuous Permits: Northwest Forest or Interagency Pass Hiking Season: July through October Kid & Dog Friendly: No Trailhead Amenities: privy Notes: Trail is prone to avalanches and can be extremely dangerous early in the season. Trailhead GPS waypoint: N47 30.397 W123 13.928 Maps: Green Trails Oly Mountains E 168S Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene; fs.usda.gov/olympic Trailhead Directions: From Shelton, travel north on US 101 for 15 miles to Hoodsport. Left onto SR 119 and proceed for 9.3 miles to a T-intersection. Right onto graveled FR 24, proceed 1.6 miles and turn left onto FR 2419. After 4.6 miles, come to the lower trailhead. Upper trailhead can be reached by continuing on FR 2419 for another 1.6 miles and then turning left and driving rough and rocky FR 2419-014 for one mile.