Elk Cove Trail #631(edit)

Overview

This Mount Hood National Forest Wilderness trail is an out-and-back route (with Gaia GPS mileage calculated for one way) leading to Elk Cove at the Timberline Trail. Alternatively, you can loop back via the Pinnacle Ridge Trail, connected by a short but challenging bushwhack or a 1.8-mile road walk.

There are several excellent side hikes to explore, including Dollar Lake, Barrett Spur, and Cairn Basin. While there are many campsites at Elk Cove, be prepared for crowded conditions during the summer, especially on weekends.

As you hike, you’ll traverse the 2011 Dollar Lake fire area, which has transformed into vibrant fields of wildflowers in summer and a haven for juicy huckleberries in early fall. Views of Mt Hood and its glaciers are breathtaking. There is also very little shade. As of 2024 the trail is in good shape, recently maintained and logged out.

Getting Started

The Elk Cove Trailhead is along Laurance Lake Road, NF-2840, 1.1 miles from the turnoff at Laurance Lake. The road crossing at Eliot Branch can be washed out and might require AWD and/or high clearance. You will pass a fee kiosk by Laurance Lake, but there are no fees for parking at the Elk Cove Trailhead.

The hike starts by crossing Pinnacle Creek and then following an old road bed for ~1 mile.

Forest Service trail description and directions

Taking Children

Not appropriate for young children due to distance and elevation gain.