Elkhorn Crest Trail, OR

The Elkhorn Crest Trail (#1611) was established as a National Recreation Trail in 1979. It is the highest trail in the Blue Mountains and runs along the Elkhorn Mountain ridgeline across sub-alpine forests and grasslands. The trail offers panoramic views of the Baker Valley, the distant Wallowa Mountains and the Blue Mountains. Along the way you can also view six high mountain lakes, craggy nearby peaks and maybe catch a glimpse of a herd of elk or resident mountain goats.


There are several end point and side access trailheads for the Elkhorn Crest including the Elkhorn Crest Trailhead on the north end near Anthony Lakes and Marble Pass Trailhead on the south end. Water on the trail is scarce and unsafe to drink if not previously treated. Due to the trail weaving in and out of wilderness, mechanized use is limited on many sections of the trail.Difficulty level
From Anthony Lakes, the trail is 'more difficult', ascending 1,000 feet on the first 2 miles. Then, the trail levels to offer a gentle hike to the south end at Marble Creek Pass with an 'easy' rating.

2019-08-29 HAZ_Hikebot