Pacific Northwest Region Viewing Area
LOCATION and PHOTOS
Hikers on Mt. Ellinor. Photo courtesy Olympic National Forest.
Mt. Ellinor meadow. Photo courtesy Olympic National Forest.
Field of flowers on Mt. Ellinor. Photo courtesy Olympic National Forest.
Mount Ellinor Trail
Forest: Olympic National Forest
District: Hood Canal Ranger District
Description: Three miles of trails through second growth and old growth Douglas fir forests and a subalpine meadow lead to the summit of Mount Ellinor, the most accessible peak in the Olympic Mountains. Excellent spring and summer wildflowers in subalpine meadows provide a colorful foreground to unparalleled panoramic mountain viewing and waterways of the Puget Sound. Wildlife abounds here, too. At lower elevations, watch for Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer. The cliffs are home to mountain goats.
Viewing Information: Mt. Ellinor Trail is a challenging day hike with spectacular views and seasonal wildflowers. Along the way you can expect to see Piper’s harebell (Campanula piperi), Flett’s violet (Viola fletti), wandering daisy (Erigeron peregrinus), alpine pussytoes (Antennaria alpina), Jeffrey’s shootingstar (Dodecatheon jeffreyi), pacific rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum), Starry false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum stellatum), maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum), and small oak fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris). At 2.5 miles, the forest opens into an alpine meadow which is a good turn-around-point for day hikers. Beyond this point, only experienced climbers continue to the summit. To reach the trailhead, follow State Route #119 for 9 miles from Hoodsport. Turn right on FS Road #24 and go 1.6 miles to FS Road #2419. Travel 4.9 miles to lower trailhead or 7.5 miles to upper trailhead on FS Road #2419-014. A Pass is REQUIRED to park at trailhead.
- Recreation Opporunity Guide: Olympic National Forest: Mt. Ellinor Trail #812 (PDF, 125 kb) - a map and detailed description of the trail.
- Olympic National Forest: Recreational Activities: Trails
Safety First: Upper roads are steep and narrow. Use turnouts and watch for logging trucks. Trails are steep and slippery.
Directions: Travel US Highway 101 to Hoodsport. Turn onto State Route 119, travel 9.0 miles to the junction with FS Road #24. Turn right and go 1.6 miles to FS Road #2419 (Big Creek Road). Travel 4.9 miles to the lower trailhead. To reach the upper trailhead go another 1.5 miles, turn left on FS Road #2419- 014, follow it to the end of road.
Ownership and Management: U.S. Forest Service, Olympic National Forest, Hoodsport Ranger District. 295142 Highway 101 S. Quilcene, WA 98376, (360) 765-2200.
Closest Town: Hoodsport, Washington.