Day Hike - Mount Ellinor

Parked at the Big Creek Campground, NW Forest pass is needed. Room for many cars. The Big Creek Trail is well maintained, no problems or obstacles.  The Mt. Ellinor trail is also in good condition. A pink ribbon was wrapped around a tree at a switchback above the upper trail junction with a note warning of "bees." We passed quickly and weren't bothered by them. But it was early and cool so they weren't very active. On the way back it was much warmer, so we took a short short-cut around it.

Almost continuous wood "steps" have been installed starting just below the boulder field all the way to the summit. It's been in the works for a few years, and the builders no doubt had good intentions. However, not only is it very hard on knees, but when the wood is wet it's slippery, especially on the small rounded/smooth log-like pieces. Also, erosion between steps in many places causes awkward foot placement and could contribute to a fall. I would turn back if icy conditions exist on the steps.