2.7 hr
Overview
The Elk Cove Trail is the longest approach trail to the Timberline Trail on the north side of Mount Hood. However, combined with the Pinnacle Ridge Trail, it offers the opportunity for a good day loop with a short bushwhack at the end. The area was thoroughly burned in the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire. The forest along both of these trails suffered crown fire for most of each trail’s length. That means there’s little shade, but there are more views (Mount Hood will be in sight for most of the hike), and you’ll be able to observe the recovery process from a severe forest fire. Those doing the loop have several options for connecting the two trailheads: (1) arrange a car shuttle, with car parked at both trailheads; (2) walk the 1 ¾ miles down FR 2840 to the Elk Cove Trailhead at the end of the hike; (3) deposit a bicycle at the Pinnacle Ridge Trailhead; (4) bushwhack the 250 yards down to the lower section of FR 2840. The first 1 ¼ miles of the Elk Cove Trail follows decommissioned Road 6840-650 to the former trailhead. Past the trailhead signs, you’ll step over a berm to cross Pinnacle Creek, which is usually a rock hop by mid-summer (the bridge here was destroyed a number of years ago). Then follow the road bed, which is being crowded by slide alder on this lower section. Up to the right are the snag-populated slopes of the Dollar Lake Burn. Where culverts were removed, you’ll need to make little dips. The road makes a sharp turn to the right and now young lodgepole pine and manzanita bushes grow on the verge. Views open up west to Vista Ridge and both Owl Point and Katsuk Point are visible. The Pinnacle, which you’ll pass on the descent, stands out on Pinnacle Ridge, across the valley of Pinnacle Creek. The route leaves the road at some downed trees and passes a trail sign. Switchback up five times in a shady patch of Douglas-firs that experienced no crown fire, and then traverse up onto the crest of the ridge, which was thoroughly burned. A variety of sun-loving plants have colonized the burn here, including Sc
Trail Stats
0.0 km
819 m
1778 m
0 m
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Photos
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400px-ElkCovePinnacleRidgeLoopMap
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250px-View_to_Owl_Point_from_the_Elk_Cove_Trail
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