Elk Meadows Trail #645, OR

This trail enters the Mount Hood Wilderness on the east side of Mount Hood. The trail features views of Mt. Hood and wildflowers July through August. Several connecting trails can be taken to extend the hike.


From Pollalie Trailhead, the trail begins with a short steep climb to a ridge, passes a short spurt trail to an overlook and climbs gradually to the junction with Tamanawas Falls Tie Trail #650B (3,560’) (1.2 miles). From the junction the trail climbs very gradually for 0.8 mile to the junction with Lamberson Spur Trail #644 (3,760’). Make the left turn heading south onto #645 and descend 0.3 mile to the junction with Bluegrass Ridge Trail #647 (3,680’). The trail leaves the junction continuing south on the ridge for the next 4.1 miles to the north end of Elk Meadows and the junction with Elk Meadows-Bluegrass Tie #647B (5,120’). #647B is a 0.3 mile trail heading east to Bluegrass Ridge Trail #647. There are several trails on and around Elk Meadow. If this is an overnight trip, many fine campsites can be found in the trees surrounding the meadow. The trail continues south along the south end of Elk Meadows and after 0.6 mile the trail reaches the junction (5,280’) with Gnarl Ridge Trail #652 (heading northwest) and Bluegrass Ridge Trail #647 (heading southeast). Continue straight on #645 and descend several switchbacks to Newton Creek (4,600’). Cross Newton Creek and travel 0.6 mile to Clark Creek (4,560’). Cross Clark Creek and continue 0.1 mile to the trail’s end at the junction with Umbrella Falls Trail #667 and Sahalie Falls Trail #667C. Follow Sahalie Falls Trail #667C south for 0.4 mile to reach the Hood River Meadows Trailhead parking area at Forest Road 3545.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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2018-09-07 HAZ_Hikebot