Mount Ellinor

Hikers swarm Mount Ellinor every spring as they rush to the summit for one reason—to come back down. More specifically, to come down via the long glissade route. Dog hikers will want to wait until at least mid-July to make the descent safe for their four-legged friends (even sure-footed dogs don’t have the necessary traction to stop themselves when sliding down a steep field of slushy spring snow). Once the route is snow-free, hikers and their canine friends will find the trail steep, dry, and hot (watch your pooch for signs of dehydration and make sure she drinks frequently during the hike). But you’ll also find unmatched views of the southeastern Olympics. Mount Ellinor hikers encounter fields of flowers during the summer blooming season and often see deer—and maybe even a mountain goat or two.