Mount Ellinor

Olympic Peninsula

updated 6 days ago

As of August 5th, 2026, Mount Ellinor offers a challenging, steep trail with incredible summit views, though smoke has recently impacted visibility. The road to the upper trailhead is manageable for most vehicles, but deep potholes and ruts exist, particularly a half-mile past the left turn for the upper lot, requiring caution for low-clearance cars. Some reports from July 27th and 18th noted washouts and significant ruts near the upper lot, while others from August 5th and July 14th described it as easier. Parking can be very limited, especially on weekends. Expect significant insect activity, including biting horseflies and bees, particularly at the summit, reported as of August 5th and July 24th. Wildflowers are still blooming, noted in reports from July 18th, 12th, 9th, 8th, and 4th.

generated from 117 reports

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Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

#hikeathonWe arrived to the upper trailhead at 0800 this morning. The road was easy peasy in my jeep, but use caution if taking a low clearance car. The only section that could cause a scrape is about...

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Hiked from the upper trailhead on a hot, smokey Wednesday. Trail is challenging and the shade of the trees on the way down was a welcome relief. The smoke cleared slightly the higher up we went. Bugs ...

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Another beautiful ascent on Mt Ellinor.Tomorrow, Mt Ellinor hosts a world-famous trail run, so highly recommend to my hiking buds to avoid the athletes whizzing up the mountain on August 1st, 2026

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Early morning weekday trip up Mt. Ellinor yesterday. The road between the lower and upper trailhead is getting quite bad in a spot just below the upper parking lot. It's marked with ribbon at a spot w...

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Wow! This is a good effort to put in for a great reward!Showed up past Noon and lower trailhead was very packed so went to the upper, any low clearance car is going to have a hard time with the pothol...

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

This hike was a lot of fun; it definitely has a lot of stairs but was worth it. The wildflower meadow is very pretty when they are blooming. It's fun to also look out to the left and see Lake Kushman ...

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

I snuck in a visit to Mt Ellinor after work today. It was the latest I’ve started this hike, but having a headlamp and the company of some other late-day hikers made it enjoyable. The cool temps and b...

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

I took the short but steep route from the upper trailhead to the top of Mount Ellinor. Be sure to arrive early on weekends - I arrived just after 8am and took one of the last three official spots. Whe...

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Did Mt. Ellinor from the upper trailhead as an afternoon day hike. Pretty much a straight upward climb for 1.7 miles to the summit except for one small section in the middle where it flattens out mome...

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Just an absolutely gorgeous evening on Ellinor Tuesday. Wildflowers abound after breaking out of the trees.The trail is in as good a condition as I've seen, and the drive is pretty good, too, with the...

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