Beyond the OverlookMount Ellinor via the Upper Trailhead
A short mileage number hides a very steep mountain hike. We chose the Upper Trailhead, liked the aggressive climb, and would recommend it to strong hikers who want something less conventional than Olympic's headline walks.
Our verdict
Worth it for strong hikers, but not a standard first-time Olympic recommendation. Mt. Ellinor added a true summit-style hike to a trip otherwise defined by rainforest, coast and more accessible mountain viewpoints.
Our route
We started at the Upper Trailhead. The route is about 3.1 miles round trip with roughly 2,339 feet of elevation gain. That ratio tells you almost everything: it is short and very steep.
What the climb felt like
We liked the steepness. It made the hike feel completely different from Hurricane Hill or the rainforest trails. The final climbing is rocky and demanding, and the mileage should not tempt anyone into treating this as a quick easy outing.
Why we would not put it in every Olympic itinerary
Olympic's biggest strength is variety. On a first trip, we would protect Mt. Storm King, a rainforest experience and Hurricane Hill before insisting on Ellinor. But if you have another hiking day and enjoy steep climbs, Ellinor is a very good way to add something different.
Who should skip it?
Skip the Upper Trail route if you dislike sustained steep climbing, want an easy family walk, or conditions are poor. Good footwear matters, and poles can be useful on the descent.
How it fits our Olympic ranking
Mt. Storm King remains our favorite Olympic hike. Ellinor is the less-obvious choice for hikers specifically looking for a harder mountain day.
See our Olympic hike ranking · See our 4-day Olympic itinerary