Elk Meadows Trail #645 and Bluegrass Ridge Trail #647 Loop(edit)

Overview

This is a difficult loop hike in Mount Hood National Forest. Its difficulty isn't because it is 14 miles long with a 3000' elevation gain, but due to the 2006 Mt Hood Complex fire and resulting hundreds of downed trees across the trail.

This is a lollipop loop starting at the Polallie Trailhead. Take the Elk Meadow Trail #645 up to the Tamanawa Falls Tie Trail #650B. This leads to a worthwhile 1.2-mile out-and-back side trip to a spectacular waterfall, but save it for the end to see if you still have the energy.

Continue to the junction with the Bluegrass Ridge Trail #474. Decide to go clockwise or counterclockwise. The Bluegrass Ridge Trail has many more downed trees, so opt to travel clockwise to get the hard part over. Soon the trail reaches the ridge with a gradual continuous ascent. 2.7 miles from the junction the trail enters the 2006 Mt Hood Complex burn area. Expect to walk over, under and around downed trees. The reward for this effort is great views and resplendent fields of wildflowers. If you lose the trail it might be best to just walk along the ridge. The trail reaches a high point where it might be easier to hop from one down tree to another vs. finding the ground. Stop to check out the views of surrounding Cascade Range mountains.

Our route descends the Elk Meadow-Bluegrass Tie Trail #647B, which is logged out as of 2024! Or opt for a side hike up Elk Mountain, which has no better views than the Bluegrass Trail. Check out Elk Meadow after the descent and then hike NE along the Elk Meadow Trail.

Elk Meadow Trail skirts the burn and does have some down trees, mostly step-over. Although the trail follows Cold Spring Creek, there is no water access until the crossing. There is no bridge. Try looking upstream for a crossing or ford the creek.

Return to the Bluegrass Ridge Trail junction and enjoy the mostly gentle downhill forested hike back to the trailhead.

Getting Started

The Polallie Trailhead is along highway 35 just south of Cooper Spur Road. There is a vault toilet and sufficient parking.
Safely cross highway 35 to find the signed trailhead opposite the parking lot. The trail starts steeply for a few switchbacks. Stay right at the junction with the East Fork Trail.

Taking Children

Not recommended for children of any age due to length and difficulty.