- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington
Mount Ellinor: 100 Classic Hike of Washington
One of the best trails on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington is the Mount Ellinor Trail. It is located in the Olympic National Forest on the majestic Olympic Peninsula. The trail is short but steep, so I like to call it short and spicy for fun.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer seeking the thrill of a nearly 6,000-foot summit or a nature enthusiast looking for breathtaking views of Lake Cushman, the Hood Canal, and the eastern Olympic front, Mount Ellinor promises an unforgettable trip.
In this comprehensive trail guide, I’ll share all aspects of this iconic trail, from how to access it to what to pack for a safe hike. I’ll discuss the best season to hike Mount Ellinor so you can choose the time that suits your preferences. I’ll also give you insights into what you can expect when hiking this incredible peak, including the breathtaking views of Lake Cushman, Hood Canal, and the eastern Olympic front.
If that sounds good to you, let’s get into it!
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Complete Hiking Guide to Mount Ellinor Trail in Olympic National Forest
The rocky ridge of Mt. Ellinor is breathtaking. The first time I submitted this trail, I was blown away by the sweeping views of the area. From the top of the trail, we could see mountain goats that frequent the area and the stunning sunrise as it breached the top of the surrounding mountains.
This trail is a popular destination for people looking to stay near the Hood Canal Ranger District. It is further away from the touristy areas of Olympic National Park, so many of the people you will come across are locals.
Mount Ellinor is a short and spicy hike on the Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest. This extremely steep, but short, trail is well-loved by everyone who dares to trek to the summit. Follow along in this comprehensive guide as I cover everything you need to know about hiking to the peak of Mount Ellinor.
It truly is a marvelous trail. So, let’s get into the details before you head out!
Love Olympic Peninsula Hikes? Check out Ozette Triangle
Know Before You Go
Before you begin your adventure on the Mt. Ellinor trail, you must clearly understand how to access the trail throughout the year and what you need to know before your trek.
In this section, I’ll guide you through everything from how to get to the trail, the available trailhead facilities, what to expect with each season of your hike, and what necessary passes or permits you need to have.
Trail Stats
Region: Olympic Peninsula
Distance: 6.6 miles (lower trailhead), 3.3 miles (upper trailhead)
Level: Very Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 3,300 ft (lower trailhead), 2,300 ft (upper trailhead)
Time: 5 hours
When to go: July – Oct.
Pass/Permit: None (lower trailhead), Northwest Forest Pass (upper trailhead)
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Trailhead Location
Mount Ellinor is located on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish tribes. We are grateful for the stewards of this land past and present. We are honored to be and recognize that we are guests on this land.
Getting to the Trailhead
To embark on your Mount Ellinor hike, you’ll first need to reach the trailhead. Mount Ellinor is located in the Olympic National Forest on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. You can access the trail from two primary trailheads: the Lower Trailhead and the Upper Trailhead.
The trail from the lower trail head is a 6.6 mile hike and 3,300ft of elevation but offers hikers time to warm up prior to the steep grade of the upper trail. You’re essentially starting at sea level from this part of the trail.
The trail from the Mount Ellinor Upper Trailhead is 3.3 miles round trip and 2,300 feet of elevation gain.
Once you’re on the Olympic Penninsula via Hwy 101, you will exit onto State Route 119 which would will take to it’s end. Turn right on Forest Service Road 24. Turn left after 1.6 miles onto Forest Road 2419. The lower trailhead is on the left after about 5-miles. To get to the upper trailhead, you will continue another 2 miles and keep left at the split until you get to the end of the road.
While North Lake Cushman Road (SR 119) is a long, unpaved road, it is well-maintained and accessible to all vehicles.
Since there is no service at the trailhead, I would recommend downloading the area on Google Maps so you can find your way out on the return trip.
Trailhead Facilities
Both the lower and upper Trailhead offer basic facilities and small parking lots. Arrive early to get a spot in the lot; otherwise, you will need to park along the narrow dirt road. The parking area is very small, and at the upper trialhead, there isn’t a good turnaround point. In the summer months, you will likely be parking far away from the trailhead.
Season to Visit
The ideal time to hike Mount Ellinor depends on your preference and the experience you’re seeking. Since the trail is technically accessible year-round, there are many different experiences you can have on the trail depending on the time of year.
Spring and Fall
Spring and Fall are excellent options for milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Spring will have some lingering snow into early summer, so be prepared with hiking poles and microspikes.
Summer
Summer is the most popular season to visit, offering clear trails and vibrant views. Be prepared to run into lots of hikers along the route and experience potential wildfire smoke. The summer route is easy to follow!
Winter
Winter provides a unique snowshoeing opportunity to reach the Mount Ellinor Summit via the Winter Route. Do not attempt the Mount Ellinor Summit in the winter unless you have experience navigating heavy snow conditions and have proper winter gear and safety equipment. It is a potentially risky activity and should be completed at your own risk.
Always have a GPS Device and ice axe with you when completing this trip at that time.
Passes/Permits
The upper trailhead requires a Northwest Forest Pass.
The Northwest Forest Pass costs $30 annually and grants hikers access to all Washington and Oregon National Forests. You can purchase one here.
An America the Beautiful Pass also works!
If you visit National Parks and Forests more than three times annually the $80 pass will pay itself off after the fourth visit. You can purchase an America the Beautiful Pass here!
The lower trailhead does not require a permit.
With two trailheads to choose from and a variety of seasons to explore, you have the flexibility to tailor your experience for hiking Mount Ellinor. Let’s check out what to pack for your trek!
Looking for another summit? Try Silver Star Mountain!
What to Pack for Hiking Mount Ellinor
As you prepare to conquer Mount Ellinor’s breathtaking heights, here is some gear you should consider packing in addition to the ten essentials of hiking. If you’re doing this hike for sunrise or sunset, make sure your headlamp is charged!
If you’re unsure of what the ten essentials of hiking are, here is a short read!
- Day Pack: I have been using the Osprey Tempest 20 for years, but if you’re new to hiking, the REI Co-op Flash 22 is a great option.
- Sturdy Boots: My favorite hiking boots are the Oboz Bridgers.
- Wool Socks: Wool socks ensure you don’t get blisters while hiking, and on such a steep trail, this is a must!
- Trekking Poles: If you want to protect your knees on this trail, especially when going downhill, I recommend bringing trekking poles.
- Good Layers: When I did this trail, I started before sunrise, so I wore my Arcteryx Atom Hoodie first, then removed it for my REI Sahara Shade Hoodie.
Learn About Bears in Olympic National Park Here!
Hiking the Mount Ellinor Trail
The Mount Ellinor Summit felt surreal and rewarding and beautiful. This is how it went for a sunrise hike:
Lower Trailhead to Upper Trailhead
Hiking from the lower trailhead starts with a gentle climb, giving you an opportunity to ease into the hike. In “100 Classic Hikes of Washington,” Mount Ellinor is designated as a legacy hike by the original writers from the lower trailhead.
One of the highlights of this section is the first chance to experience the unique beauty of the Olympic Peninsula. The forest gives way to breathtaking glimpses of Lake Cushman. I actually couldn’t see any of this on the way up, because it was 4 am, but I knew it was there!
The Lower Trailhead to Upper Trailhead section offers an engaging hike that steadily gains elevation, setting the stage for the more challenging segments ahead. Many people opt to hike from the upper trailhead, because hiking from the lower trailhead adds 3.0 miles and 1,000 ft of gain to an already challenging hike.
Hiking from the Upper Trailhead is not any easier.
Upper Trailhead to the Lookout
The path from the Upper Trailhead becomes steeper and rockier, requiring more effort and concentration. Hiking poles can be especially valuable here for added stability on uneven terrain.
Check Out Another Short and Spicy Hike: High Rock
The lookout is not designated on any of the maps; it is simply an area where the forest begins to open up, and the exposed section of the trail begins. This is roughly 1.0 mile from the Upper Trailhead Parking Lot.
As you near “the Lookout” you’ll begin to appreciate the payoff for your efforts. The Lookout offers an excellent resting spot, providing a panoramic view of Lake Cushman, Hood Canal, and the eastern Olympic front. I was truly in awe of the incredible 360-degree view. You’ll have a moment to catch your breath and soak in the breathtaking scenery that stretches out before you.
My time at the lookout was short-lived because of my race against the sunrise.
The Lookout to Mount Ellinor Summit
As you leave the Lookout behind, you’re just half a mile away from reaching the ultimate pinnacle of your Mount Ellinor adventure—the summit.
The path becomes increasingly steep, and you’ll find yourself navigating through rocky terrain and alpine vegetation. Steps carved into the mountain make the ascent more manageable thanks to the Mount Rose Trail Crew.
It felt like I was walking vertically on parts of the trail! During this final 0.5-mile stretch, you’ll gain significant elevation. From the Upper Trailhead to the Mount Ellinor Summit, 2,200 ft are gained in 1.5 miles.
From the Mount Ellinor summit, you can gaze upon the Olympic Mountains, Lake Cushman, Hood Canal, and the surrounding wilderness, offering a 360-degree perspective of the Pacific Northwest. On a clear day it is possible to see Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens in the distance too!
Take your time at the summit. It felt so rewarding to chase the sun to the summit and then to have picturesque views of the Olympic Mountains, surrounding Puget Sound and distant PNW Mountains.
The hike back down was slow going, but we were still riding the high of crossing off a bucket list hike.
Prefer a sunset hike? Check Out Granite Mountain!
Commonly Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers to the Mount Ellinor Hike:
Should I hike Mount Ellinor from the Upper or Lower Trailhead?
In my humble opinion, start from the upper trailhead. While the lower trailhead offers hikers time to warm-up prior to the steep grade to follow from the upper trailhead, it is not worth the extra 1,000ft of elevation gain. There is still almost one mile of forested hiking from the upper trailhead.
How long does it take to hike Mount Ellinor?
Don’t let the length of this trail fool you, Mount Ellinor is a challenging hike due to the elevation gain. On average, it takes about 4 to 6 hours to complete the round-trip hike to the summit and back, not including additional time for breaks and enjoying the views.
What pass do you need for Mount Ellinor?
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to hike Mount Ellinor from the upper trailhead. No pass is required from the lower trailhead.
Is Mount Ellinor open year-round?
Conditions and accessibility can vary depending on the season. Be sure to check current conditions, weather forecasts, and any trail closures, avalanche conditions, and restrictions before planning your hike.
Mount Ellinor Trail is still a popular trail in the winter months with snowy conditions, but it is extremely important to follow the winter trail and take extra precautions during that time of year. It does not require mountaineering skills per say, but it is not for inexperienced hikers.
Is Mount Ellinor dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Mount Ellinor trail. Be mindful of your dog’s safety and consider their fitness level and the potential challenges of the trail, especially in steep and rocky sections.
Meatball stayed at home for this one.
Is Mount Ellinor a hard hike?
YES! Regardless of the start point, the final stretch to the summit is particularly steep and demanding.
My rule of thumb for ranking the difficulty of hikes is: 1,000ft gain/mile is hard. The last section of Mount Ellinor is about 1,500ft/mile, making it extremely strenuous.
Can you backpack along the Mount Ellinor Trail?
No, backcountry camping is not allowed along the Mount Ellinor Trail.
Here is one of the BEST backpacking trails in Olympic National Park: Enchanted Valley
Should Mount Ellinor be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
I am hiking all “100 Classic Hikes of Washington”. But the question is, should Mount Ellinor be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
Mount Ellinor is a well-loved trail in the Olympic National Forest. I found the trail enchanting. While the trail is challenging to say the least, it is a trail I would love to hike again in the future. It is a trail I would suggest to anyone looking for gorgeous views on the Olympic Peninsula that is outside of the main areas of Olympic National Park. This is a contestant for being one of my favorite hikes.
Let me know in the comments if you think Mount Ellinor should be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington!
You can purchase the book here if you’d like to complete your 100 Classic Hikes journey.
Pack it Up
Whether you choose the Lower Trailhead for a shorter but steeper climb or the Upper Trailhead for a warm-up, every step of the way is an opportunity to connect with nature, conquer your limits, and immerse yourself in the Pacific Northwest.
Mount Ellinor beckons adventurers, from seasoned hikers seeking a new challenge to nature enthusiasts yearning to embrace the Pacific Northwest’s wilderness. Snag some of the best views of Mount Olympus, Mount Baker, and even Mt. Washington from this stunning summit.
Be sure to add this trail to your upcoming hikes list!
So, as you prepare to embark on your own Mt Ellinor adventure, remember to pack essentials, stay informed, and embrace the unpredictability of nature. Leave it better than you found it, and be sure to check all road conditions, trail conditions, and weather forecast before heading out!
Happy Hiking!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
