Difference between revisions of "Elk Cove from Vista Ridge Hike"
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[[Image:HoodVistaRidge.jpg|thumb|400px|Moon Rising over Mount Hood as viewed from Vista Ridge ''(Tom Kloster)'']] | [[Image:HoodVistaRidge.jpg|thumb|400px|Moon Rising over Mount Hood as viewed from Vista Ridge ''(Tom Kloster)'']] | ||
| − | [[Image:WyeastBasinLowerMeadow.jpg| | + | [[Image:Everlasting and fireweed, Vista Ridge Trail.jpg|250px|thumb|Looking up the Vista Ridge Trail in the area of the Dollar Lake Burn ''(bobcat)'']] |
| − | [[Image:ElkCoveAutumn.jpg| | + | [[Image:WyeastBasinLowerMeadow.jpg|250px|thumb|Wy'East Basin in autumn ''(Tom Kloster)'']] |
| + | [[Image:Passing over Barrett Spur, Timberline Trail.jpg|250px|thumb|The Timberline Trail where it passes over the lower reaches of Barrett Spur, just west of Elk Cove ''(bobcat)'']] | ||
| + | [[Image:ElkCoveAutumn.jpg|250px|thumb|Elk Cove in autumn ''(Tom Kloster)'']] | ||
| + | [[Image:Avalanche lily (Erythronium montanum), Elk Cove.jpg|160px|thumb|Avalanche lilies ''(Erythronium montanum)'', Elk Cove ''(bobcat)'']] | ||
[[Image:VistaRidgeElkCoveMap.JPG|thumb|400px|Elk Cove Trail Map - from Vista Ridge Trailhead]] | [[Image:VistaRidgeElkCoveMap.JPG|thumb|400px|Elk Cove Trail Map - from Vista Ridge Trailhead]] | ||
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=== Description === | === Description === | ||
| − | If you’re looking for an easier hike to [[Elk Cove]] than from [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]], this is a fine option. The well-graded, moderate climb to timberline is through forests scorched by the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire, and the stunning approach to [[Elk Cove]] from “99 Ridge” is one of the most spectacular mountain vistas anywhere. The route also crosses through several wildflower-filled meadows and avoids fords of glacial streams | + | If you’re looking for an easier hike to [[Elk Cove]] than from [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]], this is a fine option. The well-graded, moderate climb to timberline is through forests scorched by the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire, and the stunning approach to [[Elk Cove]] from “99 Ridge” is one of the most spectacular mountain vistas anywhere. The route also crosses through several wildflower-filled meadows and avoids fords of glacial streams and the dusty canyon traverses that usually go with these crossings. Much of the trail route was burned in the 2011 fire, but views have opened up and wildflower displays are even more spectacular in summer. |
| − | From the [[Vista Ridge Trailhead]], the route initially follows a rocky, overgrown roadbed before entering deep forest and | + | From the [[Vista Ridge Trailhead]], the route initially follows a rocky, overgrown roadbed before entering a deep forest of mountain hemlock, silver fir, and Douglas-fir before transitioning to a softer trail surface with huckleberry bushes crowding the verge. At 0.4 miles, you'll come to the [[Vista Ridge-Old Vista Ridge Trail Junction|Vista Ridge Junction]] and a wilderness registration kiosk. This trail leading left is the original alignment of the Vista Ridge Trail which used to begin at a former trailhead near [[Perry Lake]]; it is now designated the Old Vista Ridge Trail #626A. Trailkeepers of Oregon maintains this trail as far as [[Owl Point]]. |
| − | For this hike, fill out your wilderness permit at the registration station and follow the Vista Ridge Trail to the right | + | For this hike, fill out your wilderness permit at the registration station and follow the Vista Ridge Trail to the right as it gently climbs through forest for 1.8 miles at a surprisingly easy grade. Almost immediately, you'll begin hiking up through the whitened snags remaining from the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire. Between the snags, you can see down Vista Ridge to [[Katsuk Point]]. Then you'll make a couple of switchbacks to get vistas to the east of [[The Pinnacle]] and Surveyors Ridge on the horizon. [[Mount Hood]] is now a constant, looming ahead through the tree skeletons. Huckleberries proliferate in the burn area, ready to be harvested at the end of August/early September. In July, avalanche lilies bloom in abundance in places, and later bear-grass, pearly everlasting, and fireweed put on a show. Then there's a bit of steeper climbing with a switchback, but it's less than a quarter mile. You can now look back to see [[Mount Adams]], [[Mount Rainier]], and [[Mount Saint Helens]] lined up along the northern horizon. |
| − | + | The top of the steep section is marked by a junction with the [[Vista Ridge-Eden Park Trail Junction|Eden Park Trail]] and the first of many fine views of [[Mount Hood]]. Continue straight (left) here, and enjoy ever-increasing mountain views as you climb another 0.4 mile through young mountain hemlocks to get full-on views up to [[Barrett Spur]] before arriving at the well-marked [[Timberline-Vista Ridge Trail Junction|Timberline Trail]]. Turn left on the Timberline Trail, and follow the easy grade as it passes [[Timberline-Barrett Spur Trail Junction|the unmarked junction]] with the user trail to [[Barrett Spur]] where the Timberline Trail enters [[Wy'East Basin]], a peaceful, green glade with [[Mount Hood]] peering over the ridgeline. Pristine streams burble down from springs and snowfields higher up. There's an unrestricted view down the meadow to [[Mount Adams]] and [[Mount Rainier]]. | |
| − | + | Continue across [[Wy'East Basin]], passing a tent site on the east edge where the trail re-enters trees. From here, the route dips in and out of several lush swales filled with summer wildflowers before starting a broader swing around the base of [[Barrett Spur]]. Pass the [[Timberline-Pinnacle Ridge Trail Junction|Pinnacle Ridge Trail]] (no. 630) and then the short, unmarked, half-mile [[Timberline-Dollar Lake Trail Junction|side trail]] that leads to tiny [[Dollar Lake]], a scenic side trip. Watch closely for this path, which disappears to the right through a thicket of mountain hemlock where the trail curves through a small draw. If you reach an open scree slope, you've passed the [[Timberline-Dollar Lake Trail Junction|Dollar Lake junction]] by a short distance. The Dollar Lake area is detailed in the [[Dollar Lake Add-on Hike]]. | |
| − | Once at [[Elk Cove]], the trail parallels photogenic Cove Creek, then | + | Continuing on the Timberline Trail from the Dollar Lake junction, the route turns sharply around the east shoulder of Barrett Spur to a stunning view of [[Mount Hood]], framed by a rocky cliff, ancient mountain hemlocks, and steep fields of western pasque flower (known as “old man of the mountain” for its distinctive bearded seed pods in late summer). As the trail descends through steep meadows, [[Elk Cove]] is visible below, and the rugged Langille Crags form the east horizon. [[Mount Hood]] towers above, dominated by the massive Coe Glacier and [[Barrett Spur]]. |
| + | |||
| + | Once at [[Elk Cove]], the trail parallels photogenic Cove Creek, and then crosses the stream before cresting a low rise and reaching the junction with the [[Timberline-Elk Cove Trail Junction|Elk Cove Trail]]. For backpackers, several campsites are located to the left, a few yards down this trail. The best mountain views are from the main meadows, just a few yards beyond this junction, and more campsites are located on the east edge of the meadows. | ||
=== Maps === | === Maps === | ||
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{{TripReports|Elk Cove from Vista Ridge}} | {{TripReports|Elk Cove from Vista Ridge}} | ||
| + | * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=29158 Vista Ridge to Elk Cove] | ||
| + | * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=29076 Vista Ridge - Dollar Lake - Barrett Spur 7/14-15/2020] | ||
{{RelatedDiscussions|Elk Cove from Vista Ridge}} | {{RelatedDiscussions|Elk Cove from Vista Ridge}} | ||
=== Guidebooks === | === Guidebooks === | ||
| + | * ''Hiking Oregon's Mount Hood & Badger Creek Wilderness'' by Fred Barstad | ||
* ''Oregon's Wilderness Areas'' by George Wuerthner | * ''Oregon's Wilderness Areas'' by George Wuerthner | ||
* ''Oregon's Best Wildflower Hikes: Northwest Region'' by George Wuerthner | * ''Oregon's Best Wildflower Hikes: Northwest Region'' by George Wuerthner | ||
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* ''Portland Hikes'' by Art Bernstein & Andrew Jackman | * ''Portland Hikes'' by Art Bernstein & Andrew Jackman | ||
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* ''Around Mt. Hood in Easy Stages'' by Sonia Buist & Emily Keller | * ''Around Mt. Hood in Easy Stages'' by Sonia Buist & Emily Keller | ||
* ''Around & About Mount Hood'' by Sonia Buist with Emily Keller | * ''Around & About Mount Hood'' by Sonia Buist with Emily Keller | ||
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* ''70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don & Roberta Lowe | * ''70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don & Roberta Lowe | ||
* ''62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don & Roberta Lowe | * ''62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don & Roberta Lowe | ||
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=== More Links === | === More Links === | ||
Revision as of 17:19, 6 September 2020
,_Elk_Cove.jpg)
- Start point: Vista Ridge Trailhead
- End point: Elk Cove
- Trail Log: Elk Cove from Vista Ridge Hike/Log
- Hike Type: In and out
- Distance: 8.8 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 2000 feet
- High Point: 5,800 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: July–November
- Family Friendly: Yes, for older kids
- Backpackable: Yes—follows the Timberline Trail
- Crowded: Summer weekends
| Add-On Hikes: | Barrett Spur Add-on Hike | , Dollar Lake Add-on Hike |
Contents |
Description
If you’re looking for an easier hike to Elk Cove than from Cloud Cap Trailhead, this is a fine option. The well-graded, moderate climb to timberline is through forests scorched by the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire, and the stunning approach to Elk Cove from “99 Ridge” is one of the most spectacular mountain vistas anywhere. The route also crosses through several wildflower-filled meadows and avoids fords of glacial streams and the dusty canyon traverses that usually go with these crossings. Much of the trail route was burned in the 2011 fire, but views have opened up and wildflower displays are even more spectacular in summer.
From the Vista Ridge Trailhead, the route initially follows a rocky, overgrown roadbed before entering a deep forest of mountain hemlock, silver fir, and Douglas-fir before transitioning to a softer trail surface with huckleberry bushes crowding the verge. At 0.4 miles, you'll come to the Vista Ridge Junction and a wilderness registration kiosk. This trail leading left is the original alignment of the Vista Ridge Trail which used to begin at a former trailhead near Perry Lake; it is now designated the Old Vista Ridge Trail #626A. Trailkeepers of Oregon maintains this trail as far as Owl Point.
For this hike, fill out your wilderness permit at the registration station and follow the Vista Ridge Trail to the right as it gently climbs through forest for 1.8 miles at a surprisingly easy grade. Almost immediately, you'll begin hiking up through the whitened snags remaining from the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire. Between the snags, you can see down Vista Ridge to Katsuk Point. Then you'll make a couple of switchbacks to get vistas to the east of The Pinnacle and Surveyors Ridge on the horizon. Mount Hood is now a constant, looming ahead through the tree skeletons. Huckleberries proliferate in the burn area, ready to be harvested at the end of August/early September. In July, avalanche lilies bloom in abundance in places, and later bear-grass, pearly everlasting, and fireweed put on a show. Then there's a bit of steeper climbing with a switchback, but it's less than a quarter mile. You can now look back to see Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount Saint Helens lined up along the northern horizon.
The top of the steep section is marked by a junction with the Eden Park Trail and the first of many fine views of Mount Hood. Continue straight (left) here, and enjoy ever-increasing mountain views as you climb another 0.4 mile through young mountain hemlocks to get full-on views up to Barrett Spur before arriving at the well-marked Timberline Trail. Turn left on the Timberline Trail, and follow the easy grade as it passes the unmarked junction with the user trail to Barrett Spur where the Timberline Trail enters Wy'East Basin, a peaceful, green glade with Mount Hood peering over the ridgeline. Pristine streams burble down from springs and snowfields higher up. There's an unrestricted view down the meadow to Mount Adams and Mount Rainier.
Continue across Wy'East Basin, passing a tent site on the east edge where the trail re-enters trees. From here, the route dips in and out of several lush swales filled with summer wildflowers before starting a broader swing around the base of Barrett Spur. Pass the Pinnacle Ridge Trail (no. 630) and then the short, unmarked, half-mile side trail that leads to tiny Dollar Lake, a scenic side trip. Watch closely for this path, which disappears to the right through a thicket of mountain hemlock where the trail curves through a small draw. If you reach an open scree slope, you've passed the Dollar Lake junction by a short distance. The Dollar Lake area is detailed in the Dollar Lake Add-on Hike.
Continuing on the Timberline Trail from the Dollar Lake junction, the route turns sharply around the east shoulder of Barrett Spur to a stunning view of Mount Hood, framed by a rocky cliff, ancient mountain hemlocks, and steep fields of western pasque flower (known as “old man of the mountain” for its distinctive bearded seed pods in late summer). As the trail descends through steep meadows, Elk Cove is visible below, and the rugged Langille Crags form the east horizon. Mount Hood towers above, dominated by the massive Coe Glacier and Barrett Spur.
Once at Elk Cove, the trail parallels photogenic Cove Creek, and then crosses the stream before cresting a low rise and reaching the junction with the Elk Cove Trail. For backpackers, several campsites are located to the left, a few yards down this trail. The best mountain views are from the main meadows, just a few yards beyond this junction, and more campsites are located on the east edge of the meadows.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Vista Ridge Trail #626 (USFS)
- Green Trails Maps: Mt Hood, OR #462
- Adventure Maps: Mt. Hood Area
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Zigzag Ranger District
- Discover Your Northwest: Mt. Hood National Forest North: Trail Map & Hiking Guide
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Mt. Hood National Forest
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Mount Hood Wilderness
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Mount Hood
- Discover Your Northwest: Mt. Hood National Forest North
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Self-issued wilderness permit: wilderness rules apply
- No camping in meadows
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Elk Cove from Vista Ridge
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Elk Cove from Vista Ridge
Guidebooks
- Hiking Oregon's Mount Hood & Badger Creek Wilderness by Fred Barstad
- Oregon's Wilderness Areas by George Wuerthner
- Oregon's Best Wildflower Hikes: Northwest Region by George Wuerthner
- Portland Hikes by Art Bernstein & Andrew Jackman
- Around Mt. Hood in Easy Stages by Sonia Buist & Emily Keller
- Around & About Mount Hood by Sonia Buist with Emily Keller
- 70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades by Don & Roberta Lowe
- 62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades by Don & Roberta Lowe
More Links
- Vista Ridge Trail #626 (USFS)
- Timberline National Historic Trail #600 (USFS)
- Vista Ridge Trail to Elk Cove - Mt. Hood (wanderingyuncks)
- Backpacking to Elk Cove (Just Peachy)
- Vista Ridge to Elk Cove (Went Hiking)
- Vista Ridge- Elk Cove Mt Hood (BirdFellow)
- Vista Ridge (Linda's Lens)
- "Watch a Forest Being Reborn at Vista Ridge" (Willamette Week)
- Dollar Lake Fire: Five Years After (WyEast Blog)
Page Contributors
- Splintercat (Tom Kloster) (primary)
- User:retiredjerry