Polallie Trailhead to Elk Meadows
Elk Meadows (north) in the Alphabetical List of Trails on mthood.info
September 21st and 22nd, 2007

This was a one night backpacking trip I did with my friend Sam on the east side of Mt Hood. There were at least two different approaches to the meadows that we could have taken, but this time we chose the longer one. We think it was about seven miles each way, but it could have been closer to six miles each way, depending on whether you believe the map or the signs on the trail. Anyway, we got to the trailhead sort of late since we both worked a half day, but it ended up working out really well. Because of our late start we chose to stop for the night at a pretty ideal spot maybe three and a half miles in that we would have otherwise passed up. It was right by a nice big creek and there was enough room for both of our tents. It also had an obvious fire pit so we knew we could make a fire, which we enjoyed immensely on that chilly night.

The next morning we left our gear at the camp site and took just water, Cliff Bars and my camera as we hiked in to the meadows and back. The views at the meadows were great and it was a nice hike--fairly gradual most of the way. When we got back to camp we ate lunch and then packed up and headed out toward the trailhead. On the way we made a little side trip to see beautiful Tamanawas Falls, which we didn't have time to do on the way in. Click next to start looking through my photos from the trip.