Elk Mountain - Elk Creek Loop 08-31-11

[Crusak]

Yes, just another loop in the Coast Range. No, I've never done this particular combination before. Yes, this was my first solo trip up Elk Mountain. No, I am not yet tired of hiking in this area.

I wasn't going to post a TR, but then I changed my mind. From what I could determine the only other member I've seen post a TR with a loop like this was 'Thum' so I figured it wouldn't hurt. I think this is a nice option for those of you who don't want to tackle both Elk and Kings in one day, or try to go up AND down Elk Mountain... At the bottom I posted the profile, which shows the more gentle descent of the Elk Creek Trail.

Today was the last day of my mini-vacation. I was supposed to be in Jefferson Park over the past few days.... but oh well. Not wanting to drive through Portland to get to something different, I chose my favorite 'local' trail system yet again. The Kings-Elk-Wilson River trails are 45-50 minutes from my house, so it's hard to resist.

8.4 miles, 2817 ft elevation gain, 3 hrs 56 minutes total 'moving' time. The weather was cool (53° at the TH) and I was occasionally doused with a bit of drizzle. In the upper elevations I had to put on a layer because it got chilly.

I played with the new camera a bit today. I'm liking it much better than my old one. Here are some pictures from the hike.

The GPX file:

Elk_Mtn-Elk_Creek.gpx

(234.12 KiB) Downloaded 284 times

[mayhem]

Way to go! It feels good to go up Hell.. I mean Elk & down the recliner... I mean Elk Creek . I was waving to you from Kings summit.. but I'm guessing I missed you by 7hrs or so I headed down Kings around 7:30. That is just too late now days.
O I forgot to ask if you saw the Rescue garbage on elk creek ? I'm going out tomorrow to clean it up

[Crusak]

...O I forgot to ask if you saw the Rescue garbage on elk creek ? I'm going out tomorrow to clean it up

I neglected to mention that at the top of Elk Mtn I was confronted by a large, aggressive dog. There was a guy camped at the top of Elk, under a tarp, when I arrived. His dog was aggressive and would not let up, so I only took a 10-minute standing break and headed down the back side. Because of that, I didn't get to take a look around.

[Thum]

nice job on the loop crusak:) youve got to get one more loop hike planned down there before the summers over, with mayhem, ep etc. I missed the last one:(

thanks for posting the profile of elk.

[chadlwilliams]

Nice hike. I did the same loop back on Memorial Day, except in reverse, up Elk Creek and down Elk Mtn. It wasn't so bad, going down like that. I need to get back out there soon, maybe up to King's and back into shape in general. Tackling in St. Helens in a month!

[mayhem]

Nice hike. I did the same loop back on Memorial Day, except in reverse, up Elk Creek and down Elk Mtn. It wasn't so bad, going down like that. I need to get back out there soon, maybe up to King's and back into shape in general. Tackling in St. Helens in a month!

I guess to each his own! I however think going Down Elk is kind of dangerous. I have done it many times in many different conditions & not once did I think it was not so bad!

[Crusak]

That first stretch down the back side of Elk Mtn is a bit hairy - on this hike, since I was solo I took it v-e-r-y slow and careful. Once you get past that though it's just the kitties on 'Cougar Ridge' you have to worry about, right?

[mayhem]

That first stretch down the back side of Elk Mtn is a bit hairy - on this hike, since I was solo I took it v-e-r-y slow and careful. Once you get past that though it's just the kitties on 'Cougar Ridge' you have to worry about, right?

Correct!

[DennisTheMenace]

dang Crusak. Your level of improvement in terms of speed is just incredible.
I haven't done that loop that fast or even the elk-kings loop quite as fast as
your first time.

Good job

[mayhem]

[attachment=7]zoomed in on Kings from Elk summit.

Touché Super zoom Elk from Kings