Elephant Mtn. Loop Winter

Elephant Mt. Loop Winter is an expert-level out-and-back hike in Oregon's Umpqua National Forest, within the Diamond Lake Ranger District. The route covers about 30 miles with a total elevation gain of about 5,000 feet, rising from a starting point of about 4,500 feet to a high of about 5,567 feet before returning to the same low of about 3,840 feet. The steepest stretch, with a grade of about 20%, occurs around the 6.6-mile mark. The Forest Service manages the surrounding land. The trail's winter name suggests it works best in cold weather, when the surrounding area is used for skiing and snow camping as well as hiking. Snow days are common from November through March at a nearby weather station, and temperatures on this route run cooler than that station's figures. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the Lemolo Lake station, about 7 miles away, put July and August highs near 79°F with only about four wet days a month, while winter highs stay in the upper 30s with frequent snow days. Millsite campground sits just 0.3 miles away, and Bear Creek Snomo, a cross-country ski area, is about half a mile off. Littler Pit Lake is about a mile away, and Clearwater Falls Campground is about 2.6 miles from the trail.