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Elk Cove Trail #631
High clearence vehicle recommended for Laurence Lake Road.
This trail enters the Mount Hood Wilderness on the north side of Mount Hood. Hikers are rewarded with close, open views of the north side of Mt. Hood. There are beautiful displays of wildflowers from mid July to August. Open meadows and beautiful vistas are highlights of this picturesque trail. Highly recommend bug repellant just prior to reaching the meadow. The Dollar Fire burnt over stretches of this trail so use situational awareness and watch out for falling trees.
This trail begins at Laurance Lake Road (Forest Road 2480) (3,250’) and ends at its junction with Timberline Trail #600 (5,450’). From Laurance Lake Road, after you cross Pinnacle Creek across from the campground turn left on road 2840 head east up an old road 1 mile turn left at the first spur road, this is the trai head parking. You have to hike up old road a mile to where the trail leaves the road (look for a rock cairn). Follow the trail you will walking through a recent fire area (watch out for snags espically if it is windy). The trail is easy to follow as it generally stays on the ridge for the next 1.9 miles to the junction with Timberline Trail #600. There are some areas of switchbacks in the steeper sections. The upper section of the trail meanders more gently along the broadening ridge. The upper section crosses a shallow stream and gently switchbacks up a ravine to the junction with Timberline Trail #600.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Not maintained in winter |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | June |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness restrictions apply, Permit box is located at the trail head. Please fill on out. Permit season is May 15 to Oct. 15. It is for day and overnight use. |
| Closest Towns: | Hood River, OR |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Hood River Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Hood River, OR take Oregon Hwy 35 south 15 miles to the town of Mount Hood. Turn right at Oregon Hwy 281 (Cooper Spur Rd), near milepost 85, and travel 2 miles to the town of Parkdale. From the center of Parkdale, go south on Clear Creek Road (across from McIsaacs Store) and travel approximately 2.7 mi to Laurance Lake Road (Forest Road 2840). Go right (west) on Laurence Lake Road approx 4.2 miles to Kinnickinick Campground at Laurance Lake. Just west of Kinnickinick Campground, leave the pavement, turn left and head south onto Forest Road 2840 for approximately 1.1 miles to the trailhead starting at Forest Road 2840-650.