Mr. Hike - Detailed Trail Information

Area:	Olympics - South	Permit Required:	Y How do I get one?
Trailhead Elevation:	3440 ft.	Difficulty:	Very Strenuous
Elevation Gain:	2500 ft.	Trail Type:	Hike
Distance Round Trip :	5 Miles	Trailhead Latitude:	47.510920
Peak Season:	July through October	Longitude:	-123.248300

Conditions

Trail

Water

Other

Primitive and difficult trail conditions

Hazardous terrain on trail

Extremely steep grade on trail

Experience

Scenic & Popular

This is arguably one of the most scenic trails in the Olympic National Forest. With spectacular views of Lake Cushman, Hood Canal and Puget Sound to the south and east and Olympic mountains to the north and west, be sure to plan on taking extra time to just enjoy the scenery. However, the enjoyment of all this natural beauty comes at a price – lots of fellow hikers. Expect to find the trailhead parking lot full and a busy trail during the height of the hiking season.

This is a strenuous climb up a real mountain so come prepared for a serious workout. For the most part, the trail is in good condition. However, several areas are rough and rocky. This trail used to be a entry-level mountain climb. Olympic National Forest volunteers and staff have done a fine job of upgrading this trail so any person in reasonable condition can make it to the top.

The area around the mountain is one of the few places left in the Olympics frequented by mountain goats. If you are lucky you will get to see the critters up close and personal.

The summit area is popular with backpackers. There are numerous camp sites to be found. However, pack your own water since there is no water source close by.

The lower trailhead adds another 3 miles and 1,000 feet elevation gain to the hike. Unless you enjoy the extra workout and forested hiking trails, start your hike at the upper trailhead.

View of Lake Cushman in the foreground and Hood Canal
in the background from the trail.

View of the busy upper trail parking lot with Lake Cushman
to the right and Hood Canal in the background.

Be prepared to encounter many hikers and backpackers
on the trail.

Wildflowers in the foreground with Lake Cushman, Hood
Canal and Puget Sound in the background.

View of Hood Canal and Puget Sound from the summit
of Mt. Ellinor.

Mt. Ellinor's closest neighbor, Mt. Washington with
Mt. Pershing and Jefferson Peak in the background.

Nearest Town: Hoodsport, WA.

Weather Forecasts | Weather Maps | Weather Radar

Driving Directions:

From US Highway 101 in Hoodsport, Wa. take WA-119 9.2 miles north to a stop sign at a T intersection. At the T intersection, turn right onto NF-24 and drive 1.7 miles to the intersection of NF-2419. Turn left and drive 4.7 miles on narrow NF-2419 to the lower Mt. Ellinor trailhead. Continue on NF-2419 an additional 1.5 miles to the intersection of NF-014 that goes to the upper trailhead. Turn left onto NF-014 and drive 1 mile to Mt. Ellinor upper trailhead at the end of the road.

Comments

Personal Trail Notes

Trail inf0 contributed by: Mr. Trail

Added on: 2008-08-17 09:54:18

Notice

Trail conditions in the back country can be dangerous. Trail hazards may put you at risk of serious injury or even death. It is always your responsibility to stay informed of trail conditions and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself while undertaking any hiking or backpacking activity.

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