One-night backpack to Elk Meadows

TOTAL MILES: 14-15
ELEVATION GAIN: 1500 feet
DIFFICULTY RATING: Moderate (for a backpack)
APPROXIMATE RETURN TIME: Monday evening (please don’t plan anything you’ll need to be back for)
WEATHER FORECAST: Sunny! Woo-hoooo! Mid-60’s day, 50’s night
DOGS: Yes (please be familiar with the Dog Policy on our Files page)
PERMITS: Northwest Forest Pass
$$$: Bring money if you want to join us for food/libations afterwards

CARPOOLING: RT mileage is 130; we suggest a mileage donation of 10 cents/mile/person, or $13. Exact change makes it easier to divide among our drivers. No one will be turned away for inability to contribute. Thanks!

Join me and Maddy for this trek to one of the loveliest close-in destinations imaginable.

After setting up a car shuttle, we'll start at the Hood River East Fork Trailhead just past Sherwood Campground on Hwy. 35, on the SE flank of Mt. Hood. The hike in will include a short detour to visit Tamanawas Falls, and then we'll complete the 6.5 miles on the Elk Meadows Trail, which follows the banks of Cool Creek. There is a 1500 foot elevation gain; it's mostly gentle grade but there is some climbing and descending in the beginning.

After setting up camp in the trees surrounding Elk Meadow, we can relax there or do some further exploring around the meadow. Note: campfires are not allowed in this area.

Before breaking camp Monday morning, we'll hike 4 or 5 miles RT up Gnarl Ridge to take in the breathtaking cliff-edge view amid wind-dwarfed pines. When we're ready to head home, it will be just another 3 miles to the shuttle car with a 1400 foot elevation loss. We'll be crossing Newton Creek on a rather slender log, or you can bring along a pair of water shoes to ford it instead.

This trip is for intermediate or experienced backpackers. We won't be having a pre-trip planning meeting, as you will know what to bring and, more importantly, what not to bring (i.e.: more weight than you can comfortably carry). Plan to be self-sufficient in terms of food, stove, water purification, first aid kit and the other 10 essentials. We can reduce the number of filters or other items at the trailhead if there are enough to share.

You will need two lunches, one breakfast, one dinner, and snacks for the trail. No alcohol, please.