Elk Meadows Hike
After a lot of research I decided this was a good option for my first short backpacking trip. It was short, offered more hiking options after setting up camp, and seemed like it wouldn't be too crowded. I set out Thursday morning and drove through a lot more rain than I was expecting. By the time I got to the trailhead it was just a sprinkle but the trail was a series of puddles to avoid. There was only one other car in the lot so I didn't expect to see many people.
The first mile or so is flat-ish and beautiful. I didn't mind the rain at all and was really happy to finally be on the trail. When I got to newton creek I was not sure what my best crossing option was. All the rain meant the water was flowing fast and high. I was still getting used to balancing a heavy pack and didn't trust myself to cross on the logs. I walked up stream a bit hoping to find another option. Nothing looked great so eventually I started checking the depth with my pole and found a spot that seemed a bit wider but less deep. This was my first time using trekking poles and I was really glad to have them for this crossing! Once I was in the water it wasn't too bad.
Found my way back downstream to the trail and took a nice break before starting up the switchbacks. They're not too steep and offer a few spots with nice views of the creek. I got lots of great mountain views on the way back down but it was all clouds on the hike up.
Overnight in Elk Meadows 9/29/2022
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Overnight in Elk Meadows 9/29/2022
Last edited by Jett Powered on October 3rd, 2022, 10:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Overnight in Elk Meadows 9/29/2022
When I got to the Elk Meadows Loop I took a right and kept going past the first campsite and then the little creek. At the 2nd campsite I got my first look at the actual meadows. Photos don't do them justice! At this point Mt. Hood was still completely hidden behind clouds but the meadow was still fantastic. I was wet but not cold and it was way past lunchtime. I quickly decided this was my spot. Got changed into some dry clothes and ate a pastrami sandwich. My wife was happy to hear that I was camping at a spot with a bit of cell service.
I only saw one couple while I was in camp or checking out the meadows. No other signs of humans, very little trash (which I picked up of course), no road noise. There were a few curious bees but no mosquitoes and none of the plentiful gnat-like things had any interest in me. They were a bit noisy and the whole place had a soft hum in the background.
The clouds started to break up around 5:30 and I got my first look at Mt. Hood. I spent a lot of time sitting along the edge of the meadow drinking tea and looking at the mountain. As the sun was setting a low fog came in to make things even more interesting. Mt. Hood remained visible for the rest of my trip.
I got up around 3am and was treated to a pitch black night with an overwhelming number of stars.
In the morning the meadow was crunchy with frost and covered in fog. I enjoyed breakfast staring at Mt. Hood and packed up camp. I sorta wanted to finish the loop so I headed north-east and eventually came to the old shelter and another log crossing. Apparently I don't love those because I opted to turn off the loop and take the Shelter Access trail that goes straight across the meadows. This was a mistake. It was muddy and some of the puddles were quite deep. My feet were quickly soaked. I trudged ahead and made it across fine.
My backpack was getting heavier but I happily hiked back down the switchbacks and arrived at the normal Newton Creek crossing. I was greeted by a line of about 15 hikers on the other side of the creek! Crossing was way less sketchy this time. I continued down the trail and encountered two more small groups. When I arrived at the trailhead almost every parking spot was full!
I only saw one couple while I was in camp or checking out the meadows. No other signs of humans, very little trash (which I picked up of course), no road noise. There were a few curious bees but no mosquitoes and none of the plentiful gnat-like things had any interest in me. They were a bit noisy and the whole place had a soft hum in the background.
The clouds started to break up around 5:30 and I got my first look at Mt. Hood. I spent a lot of time sitting along the edge of the meadow drinking tea and looking at the mountain. As the sun was setting a low fog came in to make things even more interesting. Mt. Hood remained visible for the rest of my trip.
I got up around 3am and was treated to a pitch black night with an overwhelming number of stars.
In the morning the meadow was crunchy with frost and covered in fog. I enjoyed breakfast staring at Mt. Hood and packed up camp. I sorta wanted to finish the loop so I headed north-east and eventually came to the old shelter and another log crossing. Apparently I don't love those because I opted to turn off the loop and take the Shelter Access trail that goes straight across the meadows. This was a mistake. It was muddy and some of the puddles were quite deep. My feet were quickly soaked. I trudged ahead and made it across fine.
My backpack was getting heavier but I happily hiked back down the switchbacks and arrived at the normal Newton Creek crossing. I was greeted by a line of about 15 hikers on the other side of the creek! Crossing was way less sketchy this time. I continued down the trail and encountered two more small groups. When I arrived at the trailhead almost every parking spot was full!
- retired jerry
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Re: Overnight in Elk Meadows 9/29/2022
you timed that well with the crowds
are you now hooked on backpacking?
are you now hooked on backpacking?
- Don Nelsen
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Re: Overnight in Elk Meadows 9/29/2022
Lucky you: the only day of rain in three months and you hit it dead on! Sounds like some of my early adventures with camping.
Great report and pictures. In one of your photos, it looks like a light frost on the meadow. Nice. that'll get the fall colors started.
dn
Great report and pictures. In one of your photos, it looks like a light frost on the meadow. Nice. that'll get the fall colors started.
dn
"Everything works in the planning stage" - Kelly
"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller
"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller
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Re: Overnight in Elk Meadows 9/29/2022
I definitely want to do more but I'm sure I'll still do a few car-camping trips each year. Even though I tried to train for this I am not in as good of shape as I'd like. Really glad I kept it under 4 miles each day.
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Re: Overnight in Elk Meadows 9/29/2022
Thanks Don! Yup, definitely frost on the meadow in the morning.Don Nelsen wrote: ↑October 3rd, 2022, 9:13 amLucky you: the only day of rain in three months and you hit it dead on! Sounds like some of my early adventures with camping.
Great report and pictures. In one of your photos, it looks like a light frost on the meadow. Nice. that'll get the fall colors started.
dn
As the date got closer and I saw the weather forecast showing an increased chance of rain I decided to stick to my plan and be prepared for rain. Thankfully it just made things interesting and didn't cause any problems. I was very grateful that day 2 was totally dry. Even all the puddles had drained overnight.
Re: Overnight in Elk Meadows 9/29/2022
Love that closeup of Mt. Hood with the low clouds at Lamberson Butte and the alpenglow in the clouds behind the mountain. That may be a nominee for the 2023 Oregon Hikers calendar.
- retired jerry
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Re: Overnight in Elk Meadows 9/29/2022
I love the picture of the frosty meadow in the morning. Lazy morning drinking coffee looking at meadow. That's why I go backpacking.
Re: Overnight in Elk Meadows 9/29/2022
Beautiful photos of Mt. Hood with fresh snow!
And great to see there was a good soaker up there too (at least in the vicinity of the mountain). We need more rain.
And great to see there was a good soaker up there too (at least in the vicinity of the mountain). We need more rain.
Re: Overnight in Elk Meadows 9/29/2022
Congrats on your first overnight trip! Hot drinks at sunrise with mountain views are one of the perks.