Mount Ellinor Trail #812

The Mount Ellinor Trail #812 is a 5 km point-to-point trail in Washington State, United States, climbing 1,020 m of elevation to the 1,812 m summit of Mount Ellinor in the Olympic National Forest. Rated hard, this steep and rocky route rewards hikers with sweeping 360-degree views of Lake Cushman, Puget Sound, and the snow-capped interior Olympic Mountains.

About the Mount Ellinor Trail #812

Tucked into the southeastern corner of the Olympic National Forest, Mount Ellinor Trail #812 is one of the most dramatic day hikes in Washington State. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service and holding the designation Trail #812 in the federal system, the route rises from a lower trailhead at 792 m above sea level to an exposed alpine summit at 1,812 m (5,944 feet), packing an impressive 1,020 m of vertical gain into just 5 km.

The trail serves two distinct hiker populations. Those starting from the lower trailhead at 792 m (2,600 feet) enjoy a full wilderness experience through old-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock before breaking above the tree line onto open alpine slopes. Hikers with less time can drive an additional 2.7 km up Forest Road 2419-014 to the upper trailhead at 1,067 m (3,500 feet), reducing the route to a 3.2 km roundtrip from that point while still gaining 745 m to the summit on a punishing gradient that averages 46%.

The summit of Mount Ellinor is the southernmost prominent peak on the eastern front of the Olympic range, giving it an unobstructed vantage that delivers outsized panoramic views. On a clear day, Lake Cushman sits directly below, Hood Canal and Puget Sound stretch east toward Seattle, and the snow-laden interior Olympic peaks crowd the western horizon. On exceptionally clear mornings, Mount Rainier is visible to the southeast at 4,392 m. A resident population of Olympic mountain goats frequents the summit plateau and upper slopes — sightings within 10 metres of hikers are common. The trail is maintained by the Mount Rose Trail Crew, a volunteer and agency partnership that keeps the route navigable through demanding high-alpine terrain year after year.

Route Overview & Stages

The 5 km one-way distance follows the trail from the lower trailhead to the summit of Mount Ellinor. Most day hikers retrace their steps to complete a 10 km out-and-back, though a car shuttle between the two trailheads is possible for those who want a shorter descent. The route breaks naturally into three stages, each with a different character and gradient.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Lower Trailhead Old-Growth Forest: The first kilometre winds through towering Douglas fir and western hemlock trees that predate modern settlement by centuries. The cool, shaded atmosphere offers a striking counterpoint to the fully exposed summit ahead and provides welcome relief on warm summer afternoons.
• Lake Cushman Viewpoints: Bench seating along the ridge openings in Stage 1 frames Lake Cushman — a 9 km-long reservoir flanked by forested slopes — spread across the valley below. These rest stops are also your first real breathing room after the lower switchbacks and are worth a pause on the ascent.
• Trail Junction at 1,189 m (3,900 ft): Where the lower and upper trailhead routes merge into a single path for the final push to the summit. A brief flat section here provides the last reliable rest before the gradient intensifies significantly for the remaining 3 km to the top.
• Recovering Clearcut Sections: The mid-trail clearcut areas, now a patchwork of young conifers, huckleberry, and fireweed, open up sweeping visual corridors across Hood Canal that the dense old-growth forest does not permit. In September, the huckleberry turns fiery red across the hillside.
• Alpine Wildflower Meadows: Above the tree line, gravelly slopes burst with phlox, Indian paintbrush, and lupine from late June through August. These meadows mark the ecological transition between the subalpine and true alpine zone and are best seen in July when bloom density peaks before the heat of midsummer sets in.
• The Summit Notch: A narrow rock passage just below the top that acts as a natural gateway to the summit plateau. Wind funnels through this gap year-round, making it the single spot where a wind layer is most appreciated even on otherwise warm summer days.
• Mount Ellinor Summit (1,812 m / 5,944 ft): The high point of the route delivers a 360-degree panorama taking in Lake Cushman directly below, Hood Canal and Puget Sound to the east, and dozens of named Olympic peaks to the west. On exceptionally clear mornings, Mount Rainier is identifiable to the southeast at 4,392 m — the highest peak in the Cascade Range.
• Olympic Mountain Goat Habitat: Native mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) are common at and above the tree line on Mount Ellinor. The summit plateau is a regular feeding area and goats frequently approach hikers out of curiosity. Observe quietly from a respectful distance and never feed or attempt to touch them.

Best Time to Hike the Mount Ellinor Trail #812

The trail is a four-season route, but the experience varies dramatically between summer hiking and winter mountaineering. Planning around snowpack and weather patterns is the most consequential preparation decision you can make before visiting.

July to September is the primary hiking window. The snowpack above the tree line typically clears by early July, leaving the full 5 km route passable without microspikes. Temperatures at the lower trailhead sit between 15–25 °C in the warmest months while the summit runs 10–15 degrees cooler with persistent wind. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible through August — an early start on the trail by 07:00 is standard practice for summit hikes in the Olympics.

August is the single best month to hike Mount Ellinor Trail #812. The wildflower bloom is at its peak, the snowpack is fully cleared, seasonal trail maintenance is complete, and long daylight hours allow a relaxed pace without the pressure of an early dark. As of 2026, trail use counts reported by the Washington Trails Association show high sustained weekend demand; arriving before 08:00 significantly improves parking prospects at both trailheads.

October brings spectacular fall colour — huckleberry in particular turns the lower slopes a deep crimson — along with noticeably fewer hikers. Temperatures cool to 8–14 °C at the trailhead and the first snow can dust the summit as early as mid-October, adding a wintry drama to the views without necessarily closing the route to well-prepared hikers.

November through May converts the route into a winter climbing objective. The upper mountain holds significant avalanche terrain that requires at minimum an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel, plus crampon-compatible boots. The winter route diverges from the summer trail near the tree line, following a steeper eastern line to the top. This season is appropriate for experienced mountaineers with avalanche training only.

June is a transitional month: the forest section is snow-free, but the final kilometre above the tree line typically retains hard-packed snow through the month. Microspikes are strongly recommended and an ice axe may be needed in early June when the snow surface is icy in the morning hours.

Practical Information

Accommodation

There are no huts or shelters on the Mount Ellinor Trail itself, making this a day-hike route for most visitors. The nearest overnight options are clustered around Lake Cushman and the small town of Hoodsport, approximately 20 km from the lower trailhead.

Lake Cushman State Park (approx. 8 km from the upper trailhead) is the most convenient camping option, with standard tent sites from around $25/night (approx. €23). The park provides flush toilets, hot showers, and direct access to Lake Cushman for swimming. Reservations through Washington State Parks are recommended for summer weekends as the park fills quickly.

Hoodsport offers motel-style accommodation with basic rooms from approximately $75–90/night (€69–83). The small town has a grocery store and local dining options, making it a practical base for exploring the eastern Olympics across multiple days.

Dispersed camping is permitted in most of the surrounding Olympic National Forest trail network outside the immediate trailhead area, subject to standard Leave No Trace principles and seasonal fire restrictions that apply from July through September.

Getting There & Back

Mount Ellinor Trail #812 is a drive-to trailhead with no public transport option to the access road. A private vehicle or hired shuttle is required for all visitors.

From Seattle (approximately 120 km / 2 to 2.5 hours): Take State Route 16 south across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, then US-101 north toward Hoodsport. At Hoodsport, turn west onto WA-119 (Lake Cushman Road) for 9 km, then follow Forest Road 24 south for 4.9 km to the Forest Road 2419 junction. The lower trailhead is at the end of this spur; the upper trailhead is a further 2.7 km up FR 2419-014, a rough unpaved road best suited to high-clearance vehicles.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the nearest international gateway, approximately 130 km and 2.5 hours by car from the trailhead. All major car-hire companies operate from the airport, and the drive along US-101 through the Hood Canal corridor is scenic in its own right.

Parking at both trailheads is limited to 10–15 vehicles. Summer weekend overflow is common and latecomers may need to park on the roadside below. There is no parking fee at the lower trailhead. The upper trailhead has a small paved lot with a vault toilet and a picnic table.

Permits & Fees

A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the upper trailhead. Day passes cost $5 USD; an annual pass is $30 USD. The America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass ($80 USD per year) covers this fee and is valid at all federal recreation areas across the United States — strong value for anyone planning multiple national forest or national park visits in the same year. No pass is required to park at the lower trailhead. There is no permit quota or advance booking system for day hiking Mount Ellinor Trail #812; access is first-come, first-served with no daily visitor cap.

Gear & Packing List

The steep, rocky terrain of Mount Ellinor Trail #812 calls for gear chosen for traction, ankle support, and summit conditions. The 1,020 m of elevation gain over 5 km demands footwear equal to the task — trail runners work in dry summer conditions for experienced hikers, but a stiff-soled hiking boot with ankle support is the safer choice on the loose rock and scree above the tree line.

A well-fitted daypack in the 20–35 litre range suits this route. For those planning a multi-day exploration of the broader Olympic National Forest after summiting Mount Ellinor, the Osprey Aether 65 carries a full overnight kit in comfort. For a fast-and-light day approach, the Salomon ADV Skin 20 offers a streamlined 20-litre option that handles technical terrain well and sits close to the body on exposed descents. Ultralight hikers will want to consider the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider, a frameless pack that shaves grams without sacrificing load stability on steep ground.

Hydration is non-negotiable on this route: there are no reliable water sources above the tree line on Mount Ellinor. Carry a minimum of 2 litres from the trailhead and 3 litres in hot August conditions. Before packing food, it is worth calculating your caloric needs for a full hiking day — a hard route with 1,020 m of gain burns significantly more than a flat walk, and running low on fuel on a steep descent is a genuine safety concern.

For clothing, the Olympic Mountains generate their own weather systems independent of lowland forecasts. Pack a waterproof shell, a mid-layer fleece, and full sun protection for the exposed summit section. Wind at the summit notch can be biting even in August. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the descent, where the loose rock and sustained steep gradient put significant pressure on the knees over 5 km. In June, pack microspikes — snow on the upper section regularly catches unprepared hikers. For a comprehensive review of the latest ultralight carry options, the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 covers 7 packs tested and ranked across different load profiles.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the alpine character, summit panorama, and steep-but-rewarding profile of Mount Ellinor Trail #812 appeal to you, the trails below offer comparable or extended experiences across the western United States — from iconic single-summit scrambles to continent-spanning wilderness routes.

• Half Dome Trail (United States) — Yosemite's signature summit hike, combining forested valley trails with chain-assisted climbing on the exposed final pitch to a granite dome at 2,693 m above the Yosemite Valley floor.
• Mount Whitney Trail (United States) — the route to the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 4,421 m, gaining 1,700 m from Whitney Portal through the Sierra Nevada high country on a 17 km one-way trail.
• Angels Landing Trail–West Rim Trail (United States) — Zion National Park's most celebrated exposed scramble, gaining 454 m over 4 km with iconic chain-assisted sections at the narrow summit ridge.
• Pacific Crest Trail (United States) — the 4,265 km spine of the American West, passing through Washington's North Cascades less than 90 km north of the Olympic range and offering everything from glaciated passes to old-growth corridors.
• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (United States) — at 4,988 km, the longest of America's Triple Crown trails, tracing the Rocky Mountain watershed from the Canadian border to New Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Mount Ellinor Trail #812?

August is the single best month to hike Mount Ellinor Trail #812. The trail is fully snow-free from early July through September, but August combines peak wildflower bloom, the most stable weather, and the longest daylight hours. Arrive at the trailhead before 08:00 on weekends to guarantee a parking space at both the lower and upper lots. October is excellent for fall colour with dramatically fewer crowds on the trail.

How difficult is the Mount Ellinor Trail #812?

The trail is rated hard. From the lower trailhead, it gains 1,020 m of elevation over 5 km, with sections above the tree line that are steep, rocky, and require careful footing on loose scree. The final kilometre involves a narrow notch passage and exposed terrain. Strong hiking fitness, comfort on steep and rocky ground, and sturdy footwear are essential. From the upper trailhead, the route is shorter but averages a 46% gradient throughout.

How far is it to the summit of Mount Ellinor, and how long does the hike take?

From the lower trailhead it is 5 km one-way to the summit, making a 10 km out-and-back if you retrace your steps. Most hikers in average fitness allow 3–4 hours to the top and 2–2.5 hours for the descent. From the upper trailhead the one-way distance is 1.6 km; plan 1.5–2 hours to ascend and 1–1.5 hours to descend. Both options return to the same summit at 1,812 m.

Is there camping near the Mount Ellinor Trail #812?

There is no camping on the trail itself. Lake Cushman State Park, approximately 8 km from the upper trailhead, offers tent sites from $25/night (approx. €23) with flush toilets and hot showers. Dispersed camping is permitted in the surrounding Olympic National Forest under Leave No Trace principles. The town of Hoodsport, 20 km from the trailhead, provides motel accommodation starting around $75/night (approx. €69).

Do I need a permit to hike the Mount Ellinor Trail #812?

No hiking permit is required for Mount Ellinor Trail #812. However, a Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/annual) is needed to park at the upper trailhead — the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80 USD) also satisfies this requirement. The lower trailhead has no parking fee at all. There is no reservation system or daily visitor cap; both trailheads operate on a first-come, first-served basis year-round.