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Hi. My name is Stephanie Neal. I am the Recreation Manager on the
Hood Canal Ranger District on the Olympic National Forest.
We're here at the Upper Trailhead for Mt. Ellinor, and its a short
but steep hike up to the top. Its only 1.6 miles, but you gain
2500 feet in elevation -- so don't let the 1.6 miles fool you!
If you want a little bit longer hike, you can start at the Lower
Trailhead and go 3.1 miles to the top.
So, we're here at the register box. There is information that
you can check out about your hike. There's a map, and some
important safety information for you to read. You can put your
name here and any comments you have, and on the way back you can
check out.
A couple things to know about this hike:
Like I said, its short but steep.
You want some good sturdy boots.
There are lots of large steps to go up; lots of big rocks to climb.
In some places theres still snow: its early July.
There are two routes: the winter route and the summer route.
The winter route goes up a steep avalanche chute and its not safe
to do this time of year because there's not enough snow. This time
of year we like to take the summer trail, and that will take you up
above the treeline and then through the alpine vegetation and out
into the open rocky areas.
Its important to bring lots of water,food, something to put on in
case you get cold -- the weather can change pretty quickly up here.
On a day like today when its nice and sunny, sunscreen and sunglasses
are good things to have. A light is good in case you get out after
dark. One thing to keep in mind is that you think you've made it
when you get to the top, but your legs feel it a lot more on the way
back down. So its important to realize that you have to go both ways.
We don't want to have to pack you off later!
Some things that you might see along the trail:
This time of year you'll get into a little bit of snow. Not alot.
Be careful. Watch your footing. There will be some holes in the snow
where its melting out. So just be extra cautious of that.
There's lots of nice wildflowers to view, and you may even see some
mountain goats
I'm glad you had a great trip up to Mt. Ellinor. Come back and visit
us again on the Olympic National Forest. And maybe try one of our
other hikes into the alpine areas.