Big Creek Campground to Mt. Ellinor Ascent

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Features Lake · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

This is the longest and hardest way to climb Mt. Ellinor, though the journey will be extremely rewarding.

This route begins at Big Creek Campground (Forest Service Fee Parking area - Pass Required: Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior & Interagency Access passes accepted), climbs steadily along the Big Creek Loop #827 trail and joins a connector trail that then joins the Mt. Ellinor Trail #812 near the Mt. Ellinor lower trailhead. From this point it is a nice, well maintained trail through an old growth forest.

After passing the junction with the Mt. Ellinor upper trailhead, the trail climbs steeply up a ridge, over rocks to an open slope where a long stair step trail climbs to a saddle in the ridge. From there the trail switches back and forth up a steep slope ultimately reaching a last push to the summit.

From the summit of Mt. Ellinor you can see into the heart of the Olympics to Mt. Olympus. You can also see all the way north to Mt. Baker, west to Mt. Rainier and south to Mt. St. Helens. On a very clear day with the right lighting you can even see the Pacific Ocean!

You used to encounter mountain goats on and around the summit of Mt. Ellinor. They have been relocated.