Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
You can start this loop at either the Elk Creek Trailhead or the Kings Mountain Trailhead and you can go clockwise or counter-clockwise (although counter-clockwise is more popular as it has you ascending Elk Mountain as opposed to descending it). To save the 3.5 mile Wilson River Trail return, you could do a car shuttle.
The trail is is steep and rugged in many spots. The trail off the summit of Elk Mountain is a bit exposed and can be challenging in winter conditions. Along the traverse to Kings Mountain there is a fixed line in one place to protect on particularly exposed section.
This trail is not for the beginner hiker.
Activity Notes
Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain are two popular hiking destinations in Oregon's Coast Range. This challenging loop takes in both peaks, connecting them via the Wilson River Trail and trail connections on the back sides of both peaks that involve a couple of scramble sections. The loop can be done most months of the year, depending on snow depth, but you'll want to tackle it in good weather. Carry water - there are (almost) no sources of water along the trails. The Mazamas have adopted these trails, so they are well marked and well maintained. Most people prefer to do the loop counter clockwise, beginning at either the Kings Mountain Trailhead to do the Wilson River Trail section first or at the Elk Creek Trailhead.
