SEGMENT FIVE
VISTA RIDGE TRAILHEAD -- CLOUD CAP

FEATURES:

Elk Cove, under Coe Glacier, is one of the loveliest spots on the Timberline Trail: breathtaking meadows and whole hillsides alive and ablaze with beargrass, Indian paintbrush, and lupines; glades white with avalanche lilies; dramatic Eliot and Coe Glaciers.

DISTANCE: 9.4 miles one way

ELEVATION GAIN: 2440 ft. if hiked clockwise from Vista Ridge Trailhead, 1060 ft.if hiked counterclockwise from Cloud Cap

MAPS: Mt Hood Wilderness Map; Green Trails, Mt Hood #462; USGS Mt Hood North

DESCRIPTION:

This is one of the most dramatic and favorite segments of the Timberline Trail. Most people hike this section as a day hike from Cloud Cap, making peaceful Elk Cove their turn-around point. Doing this section as a car swap has the advantage of not having to retrace your steps in and out of the Coe River canyon. This segment has incredible views of the Eliot and Coe glaciers and sometimes challenging river crossings (when they are still covered with snow bridges). Overall, this segment arguably has the most sensational displays of wildflowers of any on the Timberline Trail, though admittedly this is a hard call because several of the other segments would come a close second.

Fortunately, there isnât much to choose between the two directions, so both participants in a car swap will come out equally well. There is about 1300 ft more elevation gain when hiking clockwise (from Vista Ridge to Cloud Cap) because of the access up the Vista Ridge Trail. The grade is very easy, however, and the trail has some very dramatic viewpoints that are more likely to be missed when hiking down Vista Ridge.

There are two potentially difficult river crossings on this segment, the Eliot and Coe Branches of the Middle Fork of the Hood River. The Forest Service places a bridge across the Eliot Branch early in the summer. This is a very turbulent and full river and may be difficult to ford without a bridge. Early in the summer there are snow bridges over both rivers. Take great care when crossing a snow bridge! Donât do this if you are alone! If there isnât a bridge, or snow bridge, it is probably best to go upstream until you can find a spot where the river isnât too turbulent.

A car swap works better than a shuttle because the shuttle is very long, although by no means impossible. A shuttle will add about 1¸ hours at both ends of the day. If doing a car swap, the more rugged car should probably be left at the Vista Ridge Trailhead because the last 0.8 mile of the access road is very rough and rocky. Remember to take a spare car key for the other car in case you manage to miss each other on the trail.

Back to LOLITS Home..