Elk Creek-King's Mountain Loop

[roadtripmom]

Brrrrrrrr !

We left Vancouver before the sun rose and started out in the chilly weather at the Elk Creek Campground gate. We chose the Elk Creek trail and up and up we went until we reached the sunshine. Aaaaaaaaw, it felt so good ! This hike has been on my short list for a really long time and I was looking forward to the scramble especially.
It did not disappoint ! We thought that section was a blast and the rope added to the fun. I really have no idea how the two guys got through there with their bikes though. Impressive !! We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at King's summit in the sunshine and down, down, down we went. We ran into a gentleman near the bottom of King's doing trail work. He had been there all day and accomplished a ton ! It really made me smile. Everyone on the trail yesterday was smiling and loving the sun and the challenge. Go do this hike !

On the way home we stopped at Mcmenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove and relaxed in the fantastic soaking pool with a couple of cold Ruby's and then had an awesome dinner. I highly recommend it. The pool fee is only $5 !

Almost to the sunshine.

Sketchier than it looks.

Ice, ice baby

Yahoo !

Photo's never tell the real story.

The ferns were huge !

Bog on the Wilson River Trail

Nice Bridge

12.5 miles total (approx)

[Sean Thomas]

Love the rope shots, rtm. And the comment about the happy trail worker and hikers. That area is a real gem.

[kepPNW]

Those photos just yell, "Fun!"

Looks/sounds like a really great day.

[Crusak]

Karl, Mayhem, Eric Peterson & I did that loop in the opposite direction awhile back. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Tackling the exposed areas on the back of Kings with ice on the ground must've been exciting!

It's no secret that I spend a lot of time in that area during the winter. It never gets old.

[Roy]

Fun report to read on a great trail thanks for sharing.