Moon Rising over Mount Hood as viewed from Vista Ridge

WyEast Basin in Autumn

Elk Cove in Autumn

Info

• Trailhead: Vista Ridge Trailhead
• Distance: 9.0 miles round-trip
• Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
• High Point: 5,800 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Seasons: Summer and early Fall
• Family Friendly: Yes, for older kids
• Backpackable: Yes - follows the Timberline Trail
• Crowded: Summer weekends

Description

If you’re looking for an easier hike to Elk Cove than from Cloud Cap Trailhead, this is a fine option. The moderate climb to timberline is through attractive forests and well graded, and the stunning approach to Elk Cove from “99 Ridge” is one of the most spectacular mountain vistas anywhere. The route also avoids fords of glacial streams, and the accompanying canyon traverses that go with these crossings.

From the trailhead, the route follows a rocky, overgrown roadbed before entering deep forest and a softer trail surface. At 0.4 miles, reach a trail junction and turn right (uphill) onto the Vista Ridge trail. Climb this evenly graded route for 2.5 miles to the Timberline Trail junction, and the first of many fine views of Mount Hood. Turn left on the Timberline Trail, and follow the easy grade as it enters Wyeast Basin, a peaceful, green glade with Mount Hood peering over the ridgeline. At 3.0 miles reach a 3-way junction just west of WyEast Basin. Go left (east), following the sign to Elk Cove. The trail crosses lovely WyEast Basin, with views of Mount Hood peering over the meadows, then 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 Trial (no. 630) at 3.3 miles, then the short, half-mile side trail at 3.7 miles that leads to tiny Dollar Lake. Informal trails lead beyond the lake to a rocky viewpoint on “99 Ridge” and to the tall summit of Barrett Spur. Continuing on the Timberline Trail, the route turns sharply around the east shoulder of Barrett Spur to a stunning view of Mount Hood, framed by rocky cliff, ancient mountain hemlock and steep fields of western pasque flower (known as “old man of the mountain” for it’s 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 crosses a particularly photogenic creek, then crosses a low ridge to reach the main meadows at 4.5 miles. For backpackers, several campsites are located in the wooded areas east of the meadows.

Maps

Elk Cove Trail Map - from Vista Ridge Trailhead

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• Splintercat (Tom Kloster) (primary)