Mount Ellinor — Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2009

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

We began our hike at the lower trailhead, the trail is fairly easy up to the junction with the upper trailhead, so unless you're stressed for time no reason to skip it. After the junction the trail takes an up turn but is well maintained all the way to the top. This is a rigorous jaunt, well worth the effort though. In the latter 2/3rds picture lots of rocks, stairs, skree slopes and steepness; but also mountain goats and killer 360 degree views including Mount Olympus. We hiked the Skyline Ridge in early July and it was exciting to see it in another perspective. At the very top we encountered a mother goat and two young. Wish we would have planned more time for exploration of the surrounding peaks at the top. Plan the day , you'll be glad you did.