Mount Hood from Elk Meadows in early Summer (Tom Kloster)

Elk Meadows Shelter (cfm)

• Hikes to this location:
  • Elk Meadows Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
• Hikes including this destination:
  • Elk Mountain-Elk Meadows Loop Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
  • Gnarl Ridge from Hood River Meadows Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
  • Bluegrass Ridge-Cold Spring Creek Loop Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
  • Lamberson Spur Loop Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)

• Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
• Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
• Latitude, Longitude: 45.34417, -121.61611
• Elevation: 5000 feet

Description

Elk Meadows is the largest open prairie on Mount Hood, and it lives up to its name as a favored grazing area for elk. The meadows provide a picturesque view of the broad east face of Mount Hood and a good camping base for side trips to Gnarl Ridge, Newton Creek Canyon, Bluegrass Ridge, Elk Mountain and Cold Spring Creek. The meadows are circled by a dense network of trails, with one spur that crosses to the island of trees at the north end of the meadow where the historic wood shelter hides.

In July, the meadows provide a spectacular wildflower display, especially along the east edge of the meadow. The 2006 Bluegrass Ridge fire occurred just east of the meadows.

More Links

• Elk Meadows Trail #645 (USFS)
• Elk Meadows via Newton Creek Hike (Northwest Hiker)

Page Contributors

• Splintercat (Tom Kloster) (primary)