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Legend Ten Essentials  

Hike Length: 6.2 miles round trip
Elev. Change: 1200' gain
Hike Difficulty: Challenging
Season: Summer thru Fall
Trail Condition: Good to Fair
Trail Access: Excellent
Trail Signage: Good
Features: Views, Wildflowers, Meadows
Useage: Moderate
Permit: NW FP Required
Horses: No
Mtn Bikes: No

Summary:
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The Elk Meadows Hike is an enjoyable summer hike with outstanding views and floral displays. The hike begins near the Mt Hood Meadows Sno Park area and travels level for nearly the first mile. During this part of the hike you will cross several small streams. As you enter the Mt Hood Wilderness, you will cross Clark Creek on a fine Forest Service provided bridge.

Then you come to the most difficult part of the hike which is crossing Newton Creek. The water is fast and depending on the time of year or current weather conditions, the water can vary greatly in depth. Use caution crossing. After reaching the north side of the creek, the trail climbs vigorously for about a half mile through a series of 9 switchbacks. At the top of the ridge, the trail intersects the trail to Bluegrass Ridge #647 and Gnarl Ridge #652. Continue straight ahead, you will come to Elk Meadows.

When you get to Elk Meadows, you will have to turn left or right and follow the trail around the meadows. For some reason I always go right. Now you will have outstanding views of the meadow and of Mt Hood as you circle the meadow on this perimeter trail. Half way around the meadow you come to the junction of your Trail #645 and Trail 645A, which you need to follow to complete the loop around the meadow. However, just a few feet past this junction you can take a small spur trail which goes into the very center of the meadow. This short walk is worth its weight in gold regardless of the season.

Upon return to Trail #645A, proceed to your left and follow the trail back to the point where you arrived at Elk Meadows and retrace your steps back to the trailhead where you began.

Also, Click Here for useful suggestions on river crossings.



The following images are random samples of the wildflowers found in the Mount Hood National Forest.
Mouseover image to view flower name, and click on image to jump to flower guide.
Directions:

Follow Oregon Hwy 35 south of Hood River or north from Hwy 26 near Government Camp until you come to Road 3545 just a mile or so north of the turnoff to the Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort. Turn on this short access road for about a half mile and the trailhead is on the north side along with the parking space.

Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions


Vicinity Map


To contact the Mt. Hood NF for current information: Click Here.


A Virtual Hike in the Mt Hood National Forest
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Click for PDF