MT. ELLINOR HIKE
Lower Trailhead
Trailhead Location: 47.506853, -123.231729
Distance: 6.2mi RT
Elevation Gain: 3,300'
Difficulty Rating: 4/5
Upper Trailhead
Trailhead Location: 47.510147, -123.250924
Distance: 3.2mi RT
Elevation Gain: 2,400'
Difficulty Rating: 3.5/5
JULY 14, 2018
We started from the lower trailhead so this post is going based on that!
This is a very rewarding hike. When you make it to the top, you will definitely be proud...and happy you don't have to keep climbing! This was our first taste of the Olympic National Park region. We arrived around 9am and the parking area is very small but everybody parks along the side of the road and that seems to be okay to do. The start of the trail is pretty much right across the street from the trailhead coordinates.
The first mile and a half is fairly gradual climb and mostly wooded. If it feels steep, just wait. There a lot of great views on this hike and this was the first one we found...
And as you continue on, the next viewpoint you can enjoy provides a view of Mt. Rainier! Going into the hike, I didn't realize we were going to get to see Mt. Rainier.
After about 1.5 miles out, you'll meet up with the upper trailhead and soon after, you will be above tree line. This is where the climbing really starts getting steep. I also felt like there were a lot of "false-endings" to the hike. It looks like you've got one last steep climb and then you get to the top of it and you can see the rest of the trail and it just keeps going! The views, however, get better and better.
And you are likely to see a mountain goat or 10...
And once you finally make it to the top, here's the rewarding view you will see.
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