2013 Edition
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Did this hike in 2012. Here's the
Elk-Kings Mountain Traverse trail report.
Trip reports for this hike in 2013 are
HERE,
HERE and
HERE.
Also, information on Elk Mountain and
Kings Mountain.
GETTING THERE: The Kings Mountain trailhead parking is at about MP 25 on the
Wilson River Highway (Oregon Route 6). There's enough room for a dozen or so cars
and there is a permanent privy on site. No pass is required at this time.
Travel up (north) for 0.1 mile until you come to a well marked 4-way fork. Turn
right (east) and travel parallel to highway 6 for about 3 1/2 miles. This is a
fairly level, easy to follow trail. Go left when you come to a well marked fork that
goes north and up, up, up to Elk Mountain. This is not a "difficult" climb although
there is some bouldering and exposure. I've seen dogs on this segment but I'll bet
they don't like it much.
The hike from Elk to Kings is not hugely difficult but can be confusing to navigate
when there is snow up there. A well waypointed GPS can be very helpful here. Once
the snow melts, the traverse is not particularly difficult at all.
The last 2 1/2 miles from the Kings Mountain summit to the trailhead is all downhill
on a very easy to follow trail. So long as you have a good headlamp, this is an easy
segment even in total darkness.
Nice hike. Good workout. Started early to beat the heat and avoid as many people
as possible. Success (mostly) on both counts. Took us 10 hours which is a lot
lober than usual. Of course we did stop for lunch and numerous picture breaks
this time.
They finally replaced the bridge that fell down at Dog Creek. It's not
officially open yet but I suspect it will be soon. This will make crossing a bit
less precarious.
The view from the Elk Mountain Summit. Takes (us) about 4 hours to get there.
The view of Kings Mountain from Elk Mountain.
Signing the Mazama log book.
That little bump in about the middle is Elk Mountain as seen from along the traverse
The view of Kings Mountain from along the traverse.
It takes about two hours to travel along the traverse from the Elk Mountain
summit to this sign post. It's another two hours (more or less) to the Kings
Mountain summit.
The view from the Kings Mountain summit.
It takes about an hour to do the 2.5 miles down from the summit to the trailhead.
On a hot day like today you want to bring lots of water because there is none up here.
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