We set out to Elk Creek in the Tillamook State Forest with two cars. The idea was to find a campsite, leave one car, and hit the beach. The first come first serve campground was packed but someone graciously gave us their spot when they left.
Everyone got what they needed with this adventure. Instead of heading to the beach we fell in love with little creek and spent some quality time splashing!
Amy: Proof that Analise ACTUALLY TRIED ICE CREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amy: I like to throw sticks on the fire.
Analise: Don't take my picture. I love kettles. The pump was fun to get water from.
👾👼👱👱👻👯👱👧👪👫👄👀❤☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺👯
After dinner it was just me and the dog. Oreo was a little frustrated that we weren't moving but slept well in the tent. We woke up to a grey rainy morning, but I was able to break camp and cook breakfast pretty quickly.
I headed to the very steep Elk Mountain trailhead to start the loop and decided quickly there was no way I was going back that way!
Though I didn't get the amazing views, the flowers were lovely and it was nice to hike UP the 1200 ft a mile elevation gain in the cool weather.
I took plenty of breaks on the way up and enjoyed being on top of something even if I couldn't see very far.
The dog had endless energy as always and kept me moving up the hill.
Lots of Trillium.
I was proud to make it to the top of Elk Mountain- now to tackle a scary downhill section. I attached Oreo to my pack and started using training treats to reinforce the "wait" command.
I continued to see Trillium on the up and down of the ridge.
Soon I found a section with a rope where the trail was partially washed out. With both my pole and my dog hooked to me, I grabbed the rope with one hand and stepped down onto the steep slope. I hoisted the dog down with my other hand. Another hiker came upon me and watched my descent.
Soon I was climbing again to the top of King's Mountain.
More of the "wait" command with training treats followed and I found five finger ferns.
It was a long slow walk down the other side and we enjoyed the feeling of being high in the mist on the way down.
Oreo continued to have plenty of energy and was starting to get the idea of waiting on the downhill stretch.
I continued down, sticking with it. Proud of myself for the climbing both ways and enjoying the flowers along the way.
I got down to the flat part of the trail and hiked the last five miles through a beautiful forest along the creek. I can see why the elk love it so much but did not see any elk this time.
This 11.5 mile loop was the hardest day hike I have ever done. Me and the dog make an excellent team. It was great spring training for backpacking. So great to be able to spend one day with my family playing in a creek, spend the night in the tent with the dog and wake up to this excellent and challenging adventure! Win for everyone!
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