Summit Mount Ellinor
Hoodsport, Washington
Details
Distance
3.08 miles
Elevation Gain
2467 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Nick Lake
This 3.2 mile hike offers unbeatable views of the Olympics and there are mountain goats everywhere! You can make this a longer 7.2 mile hike if you start at the lower trailhead.
Hikers who reach the summit of Mount Ellinor are treated to a rarer view of Olympic National Park, one that is notably more immersive, rugged and dynamic than the common vista from Hurricane Ridge. Ellinor’s profile is, no doubt, familiar to most Seattleites, as it’s the Olympics’ southernmost prominence visible from the city.
There are two options for hiking Mount Ellinor: a 7.2-mile roundtrip trail leaving from a lower trailhead or a 3.2-mile roundtrip jaunt that departs from an upper trailhead. Beginning at the lower starting point adds a portion of trail through old-growth forest before meeting up with the shorter trail for the final summit run.
From the upper trailhead, the path wastes no time gaining elevation with a series of stacked switchbacks before opening up into an talus slope. Mountain goats are commonly seen from this point all the way to the summit. Be sure to stay on the summer hiking trail unless snow conditions are good enough to use the winter climbing route.
The 360-degree views from the summit justify the quad-busting ascent, stretching to Mt. Olympus, Mt. Constance, The Brothers, Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle and all five Washington volcanoes. Stay for sunset and hike down by headlamp or, if snow conditions are good enough, glissade down the upper slope.
If it’s a hot day, make a pit stop on the way home at Skokomish Park for a dip in Lake Cushman.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
- Mountain Goats are wild animals and can kill you. Don't approach, feed, follow or otherwise harass them.
- If you're going to glissade, have the proper equipment and know how to self-arrest
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Reviews
Make sure you have spikes for your shoes and poles and even an ice pick would help. I only had poles and my normal hiking boots and this kicked my butt!! That view is amazing. Super fun sunrise hike but takes the life out of you. In the best way :)
5.0
Mt ellinor was an amazing hike. Very steep for just a couple miles if you drive to the upper trailhead. I saw mountain goats and a friendly chipmunk up at the top. It was a great trail that really makes you feel good summiting such a beautiful mountain.
5.0
Me and my friend Elijah hiked this a few weeks ago it was our first mountain to summit fun a bit difficult. You need lots of water bottles or a 2.0+ liter bladder.
5.0
The ascent of this hike is pretty brutal. It was steep and we were constantly being harassed by bees, flies and hornets. That being said, I would still do it again in a heartbeat. The views are incredible and it feels like there are mountain goats everywhere. A must do.
5.0
This hike was really steep, but the goats and views were well worth it. I spent 5 days in Olympic National Park and this was definitely the highlight!
5.0
Incredibly steep hike, definitely a leg burner! Worth it though. Be respectful of the mountain goats! Make sure to check the weather before you go too, it can get cloudy up there quickly and ruin the views.
4.0
It took us exactly 2 hours to get to the lower trailhead from Seattle. The upper trailhead is apparently still closed from what I've seen. The snow starts at the fork between the summer and winter route paths. You don't need snowshoes, so don't bring them. Just bring a pair of gators and micro spikes or ice trax to keep your feet beneath you. I recommend bringing a pole as well as an ice axe. The snow is getting too soft to use an axe for support on your ascent, but it will be required for glissading down. It was hazy when we went but you could still see Baker, Seattle, Tacoma, Rainier, Adams, and St Helens.
4.0
This is a short hike with EPIC views for the effort. 360 panoramic views- Puget Sound on one side and the heart of the Olympics on the other. I would recommend an early start since this hike can get very crowded.
5.0
I did this hike last May, it was a super foggy day so we didn't get any of the incredible views, but it was still gorgeous. I recommend it rain or shine! And it can get pretty chilly up there so come prepared with a wind or rain jacket just in case!
5.0
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