Mount Ellinor via Upper Trailhead
47.51033, -123.25069
Near Lake Cushman
A steep hike which is 1.75 miles to the top hike with 2300 feet of elevation gain. Very popular and very beautiful. This post describes the Summer Route via the Upper Trailhead. You can also add on a few miles and some more elevation by starting at the lower trailhead. The trail has a winter route which is likely less exposed at the top.
The road to the trail is hard-packed dirt/gravel. It’s passable with pretty much any vehicle, but plan on needed a carwash once it is all over because of the layer of dust you will collect along the road.
You’ll need a valid Washington Discover Pass to park at the trailhead.
Upper Trailhead start, right at the parking lot. There’s also a park bathroom (no running water) at the base.
Start off in the trees
Breakout views
Some Washington hikers leave these decorated stones around trails
Steep rockfall
About 3/4 of the way there
View from the top
Olympics in the distance
Ranier visible in the distance
Descent
One last look before heading down
Hiking poles are definitely helpful on the way down
Pick your way back through the rock fall
Once you make it here the end is close! This is where the lower trailhead splits. It’s 0.4 miles from this point to the Upper Trailhead