Hey, Darren - if you see this before you go, I'd recommend the Vista Ridge trailhead. It's about 9 miles round trip, and half of the hike is at (or above) Timberline. It's also a lot less climbing than the Elk Cove Trail, proper, and you get to see WyEast Basin and the spectacular meadows on the side of 99 Ridge, above Elk Cove. The approach from Cloud Cap is not only closed due to slide, but also a bit gnarly at the Coe Creek crossing - so I normally approach from Vista Ridge. Here's a hike description that I wrote up for Portland Hikers:
(the wiki server is acting funky tonight, but basically, you hike up the Vista Ridge trail, then go left on the Timberline Trail through Wyeast Basin and on to Elk Cove)
Definitely hang around the cove until after 5:00, and you'll not only get great mountain light, but Cove Creek (which you cross on the way in from Vista Ridge) will be in shadows on your way out. A flashlight isn't a bad idea for this one, either...
Look forward to seeing your photos!
Tom
Posted by Darren White on July 23, 2007 at 9:58 AM
Thanks guys....
I was just approaching Hood River this morning when my wife called and said I needed to come home because she was sick.....being the selfish person I am....I was on fire........the overcast today would have been perfect for this hike.....
on the bright side....I was headed up the cloud cap way so I am glad I read this so I can re plan my route for Wednesday...
Discussion
4 repliescall me at 503-680-9113 and Ill be up till around 11pm tonight....
this looks like a fun, scenic, exercise trail....streams, flowers, mountains.....sounds good to me!!!!
Darren
I have a forest pass so if someone wants a ride we can set that up
http://www.portlandhikerswiki.com/wiki/Elk_Cove_from_Vista_Ridge_Hike
(the wiki server is acting funky tonight, but basically, you hike up the Vista Ridge trail, then go left on the Timberline Trail through Wyeast Basin and on to Elk Cove)
Definitely hang around the cove until after 5:00, and you'll not only get great mountain light, but Cove Creek (which you cross on the way in from Vista Ridge) will be in shadows on your way out. A flashlight isn't a bad idea for this one, either...
Look forward to seeing your photos!
Tom
I was just approaching Hood River this morning when my wife called and said I needed to come home because she was sick.....being the selfish person I am....I was on fire........the overcast today would have been perfect for this hike.....
on the bright side....I was headed up the cloud cap way so I am glad I read this so I can re plan my route for Wednesday...
if anyone is interested let me know......