Elkhorn crest trail?

[mcswny]

Anyone on the forum ever hike the elkhorn crest trail in NE oregon. I’m doing it this weekend with a couple buddies (and then meeting my wife and kid on a river for some bassin’ and good clean fun). Regardless, I’m bringing a rod, but wondering if anyone has done it and is interested in PMing me any insight if there’s any lakes I should pay more attention to than others?

Regardless, I’ll post a report up next week.
Gotta soak up the last bits of summer!

 

[Eastside]

I believe NukeLDO has done it. I’ve done parts of it, as far as Lost Lake. It’s beautiful high country (7000+ feet). Was in that area at the end of July and the mosquitos were fierce. Should have largely waned at this point. Running water can be scarce on parts of the trail, so take advantage when you see it and carry plenty with you. With the late spring and strong snow pack, there was more water this year than in the past several. Lots of brook trout in the lakes.

 

[mcswny]

I believe NukeLDO has done it. I’ve done parts of it, as far as Lost Lake. It’s beautiful high country (7000+ feet). Was in that area at the end of July and the mosquitos were fierce. Should have largely waned at this point. Running water can be scarce on parts of the trail, so take advantage when you see it and carry plenty with you. With the late spring and strong snow pack, there was more water this year than in the past several. Lots of brook trout in the lakes.

Thank you! The mosquitos should be done for the most part!
Yeah, I was told there's no water except at the lakes so I'll be prepared.

 

[Grayone]

Anyone on the forum ever hike the elk horn crest trail in NE oregon. I’m doing it this weekend with a couple buddies (and then meeting my wife and kid on a river for some bassin’ and good clean fun). Regardless, I’m bringing a rod, but wondering if anyone has done it and is interested in PMing me any insight if there’s any lakes I should pay more attention to than others?

Regardless, I’ll post a report up next week.
Gotta soak up the last bits of summer!

Leave "my" elk alone! Have fun.

 

[Eastside]

There is at least one small creek that crosses the early part of the trail. Lots of elk sign along the trail, but not to worry about leaving your elk alone, it’s the Elkhorn mountains. One word.

 

[NukeLDO]

Been a few years since I made that trip, but definitely check out the AllTrails info on that hike. Brook trout were plentiful, and you're encouraged to remove and eat them for dinner. Twin Lakes has the best camping. Overall, the route is pretty straightforward, you go up high, and stay there. I went south to north. Until you want to take one of the side routes down to the lakes. Some of those weren't well marked, but with a good GPS or device like the InReach, it's pretty easy to be sure you're on the right trail. Be prepared for very rocky ankle twisting walking in some stretches. Be bear aware and hang or cache your food, toothpaste, and anything else with scent. Water is scarce on the last half of the trail in the direction I took, so don't pass up a chance to filter and refill what you're carrying. And keep your eyes on the clouds. Being at 7700 or 8000 feet on an exposed ridge during a lightning/thunderstorm is no joke!