Elbo Creek

Winter forest morning,
the rain softly falling.
Waking trees stretch their limbs
to daylight are they calling.
Misty blankets they shed
and to our souls they beckon
"Join us" they quietly call
"Let your hearts come to reckon.
Believe in songs unheard
and visions yet unseen.
Learn from us our secrets
and realize your dream."
~Kristine Feddock



January 6, 2018

Along Hwy 101 and in the shadow of Mount Walker lies the Elbo Creek trail. Originally built by the CCC in the 1930's and partially destroyed by logging, it fell into the forgotten mists of memory until restored by the Washington Trails Association (WTA). It wasn't on our radar for the day, the year even, but our planned trail for the day was snowed in. Upon advice from the local ranger station we decided to visit Elbo Creek.

The day started out misty and wet - typical for winter in the Pacific Northwest. Joining me today were Anna, Evie and Holly. We donned our raingear and started up the trail. The trees stood shrouded in the mist, looking as though they were just awakening and climbing out from under blankets of fog. The trail itself was in good condition and, although steep, it steadily climbed uphill with purpose. The weather played with us, first steeping us in mist, then pelting us with rain before easing back into a steady drizzle. We hiked most of the way to the forest service road that bisects the trail, gaining roughly 1200 feet of elevation, then turned around and headed back to the trailhead - our appetite for adventure satisfied for the day.



Holly, Me, Anna & Evie

I plan to go back and investigate this trail further this summer. According to the trail guides, which I checked upon returning home, this is an alternate route to the summit of Mount Buckhorn. My last sojourn to that peak was rather "memorable" and I'd love to revisit it from a different route.

Hike 2:52
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1200'
Highest Elevation Achieved: 2000'