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 Mountain - Elk Creek Loop 08-31-11
Re: Elk Mountain - Elk Creek Loop 08-31-11
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
O I forgot to ask if you saw the Rescue garbage on elk creek ? I'm going out tomorrow to clean it up
Shoe Shine Boy Has Left The Building!
Re: Elk Mountain - Elk Creek Loop 08-31-11
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.mayhem wrote:...O I forgot to ask if you saw the Rescue garbage on elk creek ? I'm going out tomorrow to clean it up
Re: Elk Mountain - Elk Creek Loop 08-31-11
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.
thanks for posting the profile of elk.
- chadlwilliams
- Posts: 28
- Joined: April 10th, 2010, 9:14 am
Re: Elk Mountain - Elk Creek Loop 08-31-11
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!
Re: Elk Mountain - Elk Creek Loop 08-31-11
chadlwilliams wrote: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!
Shoe Shine Boy Has Left The Building!
Re: Elk Mountain - Elk Creek Loop 08-31-11
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?
Re: Elk Mountain - Elk Creek Loop 08-31-11
Correct!Crusak wrote: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?
Shoe Shine Boy Has Left The Building!
-
- Posts: 337
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:02 pm
Re: Elk Mountain - Elk Creek Loop 08-31-11
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
I haven't done that loop that fast or even the elk-kings loop quite as fast as
your first time.
Good job
Re: Elk Mountain - Elk Creek Loop 08-31-11
[attachment=7]zoomed in on Kings from Elk summit.
Touché Super zoom Elk from Kings
Touché Super zoom Elk from Kings
Shoe Shine Boy Has Left The Building!