Trip report by: Martin Susser
This is by far one of my most prefered day hikes. Both of the trail heads already start quite a ways up, so it does not take long to get out of the woods. After breaking out of the trees you are about half way to the top. At the top there are wonderful views of the Cascades, Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens, Seattle [including I-5 smog :( ], Mount Olympus and the interior of the Olympics. On a clear day and on one that there is no smog (10 years ago it was nearly non-existant) you can make out the space needle and Columbia tower.
You may run into some mountain goats on Mount Ellinor. There is a great temptation to feed them, but please do not feed them! They have become tame and do not fear humans. The goats will bug you for food, and if you are sweating they will try to lick you for the salt. Some are very persistant.
I typically climb it about 4 times a year and have been climbing Mt Ellinor since the early 80's. Over the years it has become a very popular hike. Best time to climb is on a week day from May till about November.
At about the tree line there is a fork in the trail. The old trail will take you up a shoot and is much more difficult to climb. Lots hand-and-foot climbing. Its (I think) the funner way. The new trail, is much easier to climb with no scrambling.
There tends to be a lot of snow on Mt Ellinor and in late spring it is a fun hike. I say late spring, because you can usually drive to the second trail head by then. It is difficult in the snow and you climb up the shoot. The fun part is on the way down. You slide down the entire shoot! It is a blast, but as time goes on holes appear in the snow pack and boulders begin to appear. Remeber to dodge them! Its like a giant bob sled run (with occasional holes).
Stats: Elevation : About 5800 feet. First trail head starts at approximately 2600 feet Second trail head starts at approximately 3600 feet USGS topo : Mount Skokomish. Time (for me) about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.