Elk Mountain via Elk Meadows Trail #645(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate lollipop loop trail to Elk Mountain and Elk Meadow along the flanks of Mt Hood. A beautiful and popular hike, highlights include crossing glacier fed Newton Creek with views to Mt Hood, expansive grassy Elk Meadow and views from Elk Mountain with a few remains of a lookout.
From the trailhead, gradually ascend 1.1 miles on the Sahalie Falls Trail and then the Elk Meadow Trail to Newton Creek. There is no bridge at Newton Creek, cross on a log or ford Newton Creek. Climb on switchbacks up 0.8 miles to the Bluegrass Ridge Trail. Turn right to ascend Elk Mountain on this narrower and overgrown trail. Reach the junction with the Elk Mountain Vista trail in 0.7 miles. Keep right on the Vista trail to the high point and then descend 0.3 miles to the site of an old lookout and viewpoint.
To continue the loop, return to the junction and turn right. From here to Elk Meadow the trails are littered with tree blowdown from the 2006 Mt Hood Complex fire. In 0.6 miles from the junction, head down to Elk Meadows along the Bluegrass Ridge Tie trail. The trail junction is not signed and trail is steep and difficult due to blowdown. At Elk Meadow go clockwise or counterclockwise around the meadow and back to the Elk Meadow trail.
To avoid the burn area and difficult descent return to the Elk Mountain Vista-Bluegrass Ridge trail junction and backtrack down the Bluegrass Ridge trail. Then turn right at the Elk Meadow trail to loop around the Meadow.

Getting Started

The route starts at the Elk Meadows Trailhead. From Government Camp take Highway 26 east for 2 miles, then take OR 35 north for 7.8 miles. Turn left on a road with a Hood River Meadows Nordic sign. Keep left to the trailhead in 0.3 miles.
A $5 fee or Northwest Forest Pass is required from May 15 through October 1. A Snopark Pass is required during winter months.
There is a privy at the trailhead.

Taking Children

Not appropriate for young children due to the Newton Creek crossing, steep ascent up Elk Moutain and difficult descent on the Bluegrass Ridge Tie trail through an old burn.