Vista Ridge to Elk Cove

9 miles of hiking • 2000' elevation gain •

Decided to head out to Mt.Hood and do a new to us hike and head into Elk Cove via the Vista Ridge Trail. Started off kind of late for us and got to the TH at 10 am. Ton of cars already there. We headed up the ridge and noted the lily extravaganza had passed but oh my it was the Bear grass' turn to shine. Bear grass was everywhere and I really enjoyed the contrast between the burnt trees and the flowering growth beneath them. So pretty! As we got near the cutoff with the T600 there were still a few patches of lillies and numerous other flowers as well. We made our way to Elk Cove. Once we got there, we had lunch right by the stream with all the flowers around and the mountain the background. I have to admit It was so scenic there, I didn't want to leave. We turned around at this point and headed back out. Saw people off and on but after the opal creek hoards we passed by yesterday, it wasn't too bad. Chatted with a few lovely people along the way and left my map printout and hike directions with a couple that needed them more than I did. Best thing about this hike, I met my yearly goal 5 1/2 months early. Last year I hiked under 200 miles, so for this year i set the goal of making 300 miles which I hit on this hike. Seems I did not give myself enough of a goal so it's time for a new goal. 500 miles it is!