Elk Cove
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes to this location:
- Elk Cove Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Elk Cove-Pinnacle Ridge Loop Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Elk Cove from Vista Ridge Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Pinnacle Ridge to Elk Cove Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Elk Cove from Cloud Cap Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Hikes including this location:
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.40990, -121.69718
- Elevation: 5470 feet
Description
Elk Cove is a large, alpine basin on the north side of Mount Hood. The basin was formed by a lobe of the spectacular Coe Glacier that once pushed through the valley, but disappeared as the glacier retreated. Today, the Coe Glacier still dominates the north face of Mount Hood from Elk Cove, and craggy Barrett Spur rises like a wall above the meadow, framing the scene. Crystal-clear Cove Creek rambles through the west edge of the meadows, rising from snowfield that cover the slopes of Barrett Spur. Dozens of bleached tree stumps throughout the cove are mute testimony to the force of avalanches that regularly roll through the valley in winter, snapping large trees off at the 15-20 foot snow level.
Elk Cove, like many other basins on Mount Hood is widely known for it's floral displays in late July and early August. Western Pasque Flower and Avalanche Lilies bloom first, right after snowmelt. The lilies dwindle quickly, but the Pasque Flowers are replaced by seedheads that last all summer. In mid July, the basin erupts in a colorful display of lupine, aster, paintbrush and numerous other flowers.
Camping is allowed at numerous spots in the trees at the east or north ends of the Cove along the Timberline and Elk Cove trail approaches, and not in the fragile meadows. The meadows can be reached from several trailheads, including Cloud Cap Trailhead, Pinnacle Ridge Trailhead, Elk Cove Trailhead and Vista Ridge Trailhead.
More Links
Page Contributors
- Splintercat (Tom Kloster) (primary)