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Mountain/Rock |
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44.80990°N / 118.0748°W |
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8931 ft / 2722 m |
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Not to be confused with the 16th highest named peak in Oregon in the Wallowa Mountains, this Elkhorn Peak is actually Oregon's 31st highest named peak. Located in the Elkhorn Mountains, a part of the larger Blue Mountains in central and northeastern Oregon (and up into Washington too), this range runs roughly north-south just west of Baker City, OR and Elkhorn Peak froms the backdrop of Baker City (also called just Baker on some maps). The major gold rush in Oregon was concentrated in this area.
There is the legend of the "face on Elkhorn" which is a shadow that forms on the snow on Elkhorn in late December and January. Some say the shadow struck fear into the local indians while others say it was the guardian of the valley. Whatever it is, the shadow does remarkably resemble a human profile.
Elkhorn Peak is also home to a thriving mountain goat population. Goats were first transported here by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1983 and have grown to a population of about 150. The number is so large now that scientists are capturing and exporting goats from here to other goatless mountains.
Elkhorn Peak is a fairly popular summit although it is outshadowed by it's larger brother to the north, Rock Creek Butte. There is no direct trail to the summit for the last 900 feet although you can pick your way up goat paths from the popular Elkhorn Crest Trail. The peak can be climbed from two directions as well (see route page) with either a 4.5 mile trail with 3530 feet of elevation gain or if you have a high clearance vehicle, a 3.8 mile trail with only 1400 feet of gain. Whichever you chose, you won't be sorry as this is an astounding area of Oregon that more closely resembles the Rockies or Sierra Nevada than the Cascades.