If you’re looking for a hike that’s short on mileage but big on elevation and challenge, Mount Ellinor delivers every single time. I’ve now climbed this mountain twice, both starting from the middle trailhead, and each time it reminded me that this trail is no joke. The climb is steep, the famous stair steps are brutal, and the final push will absolutely test your legs—but the 360° summit views make every ounce of effort worth it.
Mount Ellinor is also one of those trails that doubles as an incredible training hike for bigger volcano summits in Washington.
Trail Stats
Trail: Mount Ellinor (Middle Trailhead Route)
Location: Olympic National Forest
Round Trip Distance: ~6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3,300 feet
Summit Elevation: 5,944 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
What Makes Mount Ellinor Unique
1. Huge Elevation Gain in a Short Distance
Mount Ellinor is famous for packing serious elevation gain into a relatively short hike. From the middle trailhead you climb roughly 3,300 feet in just over 3 miles.
That steep and sustained climb is exactly why Ellinor makes such a great training hike for bigger Washington volcano summits like Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams. It builds leg strength and endurance without requiring a full-day expedition.
2. One of the Best Views of Hood Canal
Not many mountain summits in Washington give you such an incredible perspective of Hood Canal. From the top of Ellinor you get a stunning contrast of deep blue water below and rugged Olympic peaks all around you.
On a clear day you can see layers of mountains stretching across the entire Olympic range. It’s one of those summits where you find yourself spinning in circles just trying to take it all in.
3. The Famous Stair Step Section
If you’ve hiked Ellinor, you know exactly what people are talking about when they mention the stair steps.
This steep rocky section carved into the mountainside has become a bit legendary among hikers. It’s physically demanding and definitely gets the heart rate up, but it’s also one of the most memorable parts of the trail.
Once you conquer those stairs and push through the final climb, you know the summit is getting close—and the views waiting at the top make every step worth it.
A Steep Start
Starting from the middle trailhead cuts off some distance, but the trail immediately begins climbing through dense forest. This hike wastes absolutely no time gaining elevation.
As you climb higher, the trees slowly begin to thin out and you’ll start catching glimpses of the deep blue waters of Hood Canal far below. Those little previews are just enough motivation to keep pushing upward when your legs start feeling the burn.
The Avalanche Chute & Dreaded Stair Step
Both times I’ve hiked Ellinor we encountered snow lingering in the avalanche chute, which adds a little excitement to the climb. Depending on the season, crossing this area can require careful footing as you traverse across the slope.
Then comes the section many hikers talk about: the infamous stair steps.
Let’s just say… they earn their reputation.
Climbing up the steep rocky staircase carved into the mountainside is an absolute ass kicker. It’s steep, relentless, and one of those spots where you’ll probably stop more than once pretending to admire the view while secretly catching your breath.
But once you conquer the stair steps, you know you’re getting close.
The Final Push
The last stretch to the summit climbs steeply across exposed alpine terrain. By this point your legs are already feeling the miles of vertical gain, and the final climb really makes you dig deep.
Then suddenly the trail opens up and you’re standing on top of the world.
360° Summit Views
The summit of Mount Ellinor delivers incredible panoramic views in every direction. On a clear day you’ll see:
The shimmering waters of Hood Canal
Layer upon layer of peaks throughout the Olympic Mountains
Deep forested valleys stretching toward the horizon
It’s the kind of summit where you just sit down for a while, take a breath, eat a snack, and soak in the fact that you just climbed something pretty incredible.
Paragliders Over the Summit
During one of my hikes we got an unexpected bonus on the way down.
We spotted paragliders soaring high above the mountain, gliding effortlessly through the air near the summit. Watching them drift across the sky while we carefully worked our way back down the rocky trail was such a cool moment and made the experience even more memorable.
A Perfect Training Hike for Bigger Summits
One of the reasons I love Mount Ellinor so much is that it makes an excellent training hike for larger volcano climbs in Washington.
Because the trail packs over 3,000 feet of elevation gain into a relatively short distance, it’s perfect for building strength and endurance before tackling bigger objectives like:
Mount St. Helens
Mount Adams
The steep grade, snow crossings, and sustained climbing mimic the kind of effort required on those larger peaks. If you can handle Ellinor’s relentless elevation gain, you’re building the kind of legs and stamina that will serve you well on longer summit days.
It’s basically a mini training ground for Washington’s bigger volcano adventures.
Final Thoughts
Mount Ellinor might not be the tallest peak in Washington, but it absolutely earns its reputation as a tough, rewarding climb. Between the steep forest ascent, snowy avalanche chute, brutal stair steps, and the final push to the summit, this hike makes you work for those views.
But once you’re standing on top, surrounded by sweeping mountain views in every direction, you’ll understand why so many hikers keep coming back.
I know I will.
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