Mount Ellinor — Saturday, Jun. 15, 2019

This is my first time hiking this mountain :)  I'm always looking for a challenge.  This fit the bill as i'm not quite in as good shape as i was when i hiked Mount si.  the long harder trail.  I compare the destination similar to mount Si.  they both have the 360 D view at the top :)   

let me clarify the ride up the Forest Service road is the usual pot holes and not paved.  As well as narrow in many spots. so if its your first time, take it slow so you can maneuver if others are coming in the opposite direction and to avoid or break for the crazy deep holes and tractor like ruts.

I arrived around 7:30-8 am at the lower trail head.  there was only 2 vehicles already there and then a truck that was behind me.  The trails starts out semi steep  and stays at an incline for majority of the forested half.  it was perfect for me as the clouds where hiding the sun in that portion of the hike.  too an enjoyable solo hike with only a couple that was in front of me for a minute at this point. so the dead quiet accept birds chirping and rustling going on.  who knows what that was...As you will see from the pics i found flowers on the way up as well as a goat. On the way down a lady bug hiding in some flowers and moss :)  Oh there is a downed tree you do have to climb over.  I don't remember it being high enough to duck under...

On the second half, where the trees pretty much disappear, is where the real elevation gain begins and the trail becomes more steep.  While i was there this part opened up above the clouds and was supper sunny and warm :)))  Now the part that is sometimes a challenge to find the trail is in the all rock area.  with these types of trails, they tend to move a lot because of rock slides and local wild life.  but the volunteers throughout the years seem to have put in some excellent rock step and log step work.  so well that at times you are looking for the trail then realize that its all rocks and you'll find it by exploring the rocks.  its not tough.  quite fun!   

When i got close i started seeing a lot more snow but the only area its on the trail is when you arrive at the base of your destination.    you have a choice to scramble up the side of the rocks.  or go around and uphill in the snow for a short distance.  

As usual on trails in general, everyone was generous and kind with drinks, experiences and food.  There were a lot of beautiful dogs on the trail this day :)  Medium and large and all different breeds.  I was able to pet many of them.  two in particular i fed some Steak to them for a job well done making to the summit!  Their masters where kind enough to give me a drink other than water, as thanks for the meat.  Funny enough that group with the dogs had a couple people that live in the same city i do .  The odds of that when driving 2 hours  or more is usually pretty slim.

When i first arrived at the summit it was sparse  with only 3 different sets of people.  so i went down to some shade, still up top.  I took a 10 to 15 min. nap.  Refreshing it was :)  Then next thing i see it starts filling up.  so i went back up and  ate some left over new york steak pieces i cooked medium rare the night before.  As well as some seasoned potato.

A great variety of people.  multiple families with kids, elderly ones kicking butt.  Some other slightly more out of shape people putting in the effort and kicking butt!  Go everyone :))))

 the horse flies were off and on today up top only and some other flying bugs too.  i didn't notice bugs anywhere else

 always remember to pack out your garbage, especially with mountain goats around until the relocation.  I noticed some here and there and picked it up. 

Also please leash your dogs.  the goats may butt or lead them off the side of a cliff here.  but especially to make the trails enjoyable for everyone :)

Have fun!