2.0 hr
Overview
If you’re looking for an easier hike to Elk Cove than from Cloud Cap Trailhead, this is a fine option. The well-graded, moderate climb to timberline is through forests scorched by the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire, and the stunning approach to Elk Cove from “99 Ridge” is one of the most spectacular mountain vistas anywhere. The route also crosses through several wildflower-filled meadows and avoids fords of glacial streams and the dusty canyon traverses that usually go with these crossings. Much of the trail route was burned in the 2011 fire, but views have opened up and wildflower displays are even more spectacular in summer. From the Vista Ridge Trailhead, the route initially follows a rocky, overgrown roadbed before entering a deep forest of mountain hemlock, silver fir, and Douglas-fir before transitioning to a softer trail surface with huckleberry bushes crowding the verge. At 0.4 miles, you'll come to the Vista Ridge Junction and a wilderness registration kiosk. This trail leading left is the original alignment of the Vista Ridge Trail which used to begin at a former trailhead near Perry Lake; it is now designated the Old Vista Ridge Trail #626A. Trailkeepers of Oregon maintains this trail as far as Owl Point. For this hike, fill out your wilderness permit at the registration station and follow the Vista Ridge Trail to the right as it gently climbs through forest for 1.8 miles at a surprisingly easy grade. Almost immediately, you'll begin hiking up through the whitened snags remaining from the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire. Between the snags, you can see down Vista Ridge to Katsuk Point. Then you'll make a couple of switchbacks to get vistas to the east of The Pinnacle and Surveyors Ridge on the horizon. Mount Hood is now a constant, looming ahead through the tree skeletons. Huckleberries proliferate in the burn area, ready to be harvested at the end of August/early September. In July, avalanche lilies bloom in abundance in places, and later bear-grass, pearly everlasting, and fireweed put on a show. Then there's a bi
Trail Stats
0.0 km
609 m
0 m
0 m
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Photos
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400px-VistaRidgeElkCoveMap
400px-VistaRidgeElkCoveMap
160px-Avalanche_lily_%28Erythronium_montanum%29%2C_Elk_Cove
160px-Avalanche_lily_%28Erythronium_montanum%29%2C_Elk_Cove
250px-ElkCoveAutumn
250px-ElkCoveAutumn
250px-Passing_over_Barrett_Spur%2C_Timberline_Trail
250px-Passing_over_Barrett_Spur%2C_Timberline_Trail
250px-WyeastBasinLowerMeadow
250px-WyeastBasinLowerMeadow
250px-Everlasting_and_fireweed%2C_Vista_Ridge_Trail
250px-Everlasting_and_fireweed%2C_Vista_Ridge_Trail
400px-HoodVistaRidge
400px-HoodVistaRidge
TKO put tools to trail here.png
TKO put tools to trail here.png