Elkhorn Crest Trail
541-523-6391
(Wallowa-Whitman Ranger)
About
The Elkhorn Crest Trail was established as a National Recreation Trail in 1979. It is the highest trail in the Blue Mountains and runs along the Elkhorn Mountain ridgeline across sub-alpine forests and grasslands.
ACTIVITIES
Hiking
Distance: 12.5 miles
Elevation gain: 3600 feet
High Point: 9,106 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
The trail offers panoramic views of the Baker Valley, the distant Wallowa Mountains and the Blue Mountains. Along the way you can also view six high mountain lakes, craggy nearby peaks and maybe catch a glimpse of a herd of elk or resident mountain goats.
There are several end point and side access trailheads for the Elkhorn Crest including the Elkhorn Crest Trailhead on the northend near Anthony Lakes and Marble Pass Trailhead on the south end. Water on the trail is scarce and unsafe to drink if not previously treated. Due to the trail weaving in and out of wilderness, mechanized use is limited on many sections of the trail.
Difficulty level: From Anthony Lakes, the trail is ‘more difficult’, ascending 1,000 feet in the first 2 miles. Then, the trail levels to offer a gentle hike to the south end at Marble Creek Pass with an ‘easy’ rating.
Details
Getting There
To Marble Pass Trailhead
Take exit 302 off of Interstate 84 in Baker City and follow Hwy. 86 eastbound towards the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Adjacent to the Interpretive Center, turn Right on Ruckles Creek Rd. and proceed up the gravel road for approximately 2.5 miles to a gravel parking area on the left; this is the main staging area.
To Elkhorn Crest Trailhead
Take exit 302 off of Interstate 84 in Baker City and follow Hwy. 86 eastbound towards the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Adjacent to the Interpretive Center, turn Right on Ruckles Creek Rd. and proceed up the gravel road for approximately 2.5 miles to a gravel parking area on the left; this is the main staging area.
Forest Road 6510 up to Marble Pass Trailhead is very rough, steep and narrow. High clearance four wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended.
Seasons
Open year round. Winter access may be limited based on weather conditions.
helpful links
Elkhorn Crest on Oregon Hikers >
other considerations
This is a trailhead-to-trailhead hike that requires two cars or a shuttle between the start and finish.
There is no water on the trail.
Advisory: Forest Road 6510 up to Marble Pass Trailhead is very rough, steep and narrow. High clearance four wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended