Elk Cove Trailhead
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.44737, -121.6767
- Elevation: 3600'
Contents |
Hikes starting here
- Elk Cove Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
The Elk Cove Trailhead is located near Laurance Lake, and is the starting point for the Elk Cove Trail. There is no water or restroom here, though there are primitive campsites near the trailhead. Laurance Lake Campground has water and restrooms.
Fees and Regulations
- Northwest Forest Pass required.
Driving Directions
Follow Highway 35 from either Government Camp or Hood River. Exit highway 35 and go a few miles to the tiny town of Parkdale, the terminus of the Mount Hood Railway. Turn south on Clear Creek Road, adjacent to the railroad and town park, and follow this exceptionally scenic drive through pear and apple orchards for 2.8 miles to Laurance Lake Road. Turn right, and immediately pass a picture-postcard view of Mount Hood rising over a sylvan pasture. Stay on this road for 4.2 twisting miles to Laurance Lake Campground. Turn left here on gravel Road 2840, turning right after one mile into a very large parking area. The Elk Cove Trail begins at the east end of the parking area, where a bridge crosses Pinnacle Creek.
Hopefully, the Forest Service will eventually replace the 1.1 mile road trudge that makes up the first part of the Elk Cove Trail. And while we're dreaming up trail projects, an even better improvement would be an extension of the Pinnacle Ridge Trail to begin at the Pinnacle Creek Trailhead, creating a terrific opportunity for a 10-mile loop trip between the two trails that would be among the most scenic on the mountain.
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Page Contributors
- Splintercat (Tom Kloster) (primary)
- User:retiredjerry