About Old Elk Meadows Trail
Old Elk Meadows Trail is a easy hiking trail near Government Camp in Hood River County, Oregon.. The surface is ground. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyGround
Old Elk Meadows Trail
Government Camp, Oregon · Hood River County
Old Elk Meadows Trail is a easy hiking trail near Government Camp in Hood River County, Oregon.. The surface is ground. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Advertisement
45.32658, -121.62580
Open in OpenStreetMap5-Day Forecast
Weather at Old Elk Meadows Trail
Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.
Today
Overcast
48°/37°
💧 1%🌬 18mph
↑ 5:19 AM ↓ 8:50 PM
Sat
Heavy Snow
41°/33°
💧 25%🌬 17mph
↑ 5:19 AM ↓ 8:51 PM
Sun
Overcast
53°/32°
💧 2%🌬 9mph
↑ 5:19 AM ↓ 8:51 PM
Mon
Rain Showers
41°/37°
💧 44%🌬 4mph
↑ 5:18 AM ↓ 8:52 PM
Tue
Snow Showers
42°/35°
💧 55%🌬 11mph
↑ 5:18 AM ↓ 8:53 PM
Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.
What “Easy” Means
Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.
What to Pack & Wear
Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.
👔 What to Wear
- Light insulated jacketFleece or light puffy you can stash if you warm up.
- Hiking pantsQuick-dry softshell or fleece-lined.
- Light gloves + beanieEspecially if you start before sunrise.
- Sturdy hiking bootsWool or synthetic-blend socks.
- Rain jacket / shell55% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- WaterBring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- High-energy snacksA snack for the trail.
- Sun protectionSunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- First-aid kitBlister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- Offline mapDownload your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- Dry bags for electronicsPhone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Trail Safety in Oregon
Trail conditions in Oregon change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:
- Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
- Tell someone your plan and expected return time
- Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
- Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes
References & Maps
Nearby
Other Trails Near Old Elk Meadows Trail
Closest trailheads, sorted by distance from this one.
Guides & rankings
More on hiking in Oregon
Photo: Joshua EarleState Rankings
The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Oregon, Ranked
Oregon's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Sergei AkulichState Rankings
Oregon's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain
Steep is hard. These are the ten Oregon trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Sergei AkulichState Rankings
The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Oregon
Ten gentle, well-marked Oregon trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Holly MandarichState Rankings
The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Oregon
Oregon's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Diego LozanoParks & Travel
The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Oregon
Federal parks and recreation areas in Oregon ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Joshua EarleState Rankings
Best Waterfall Hikes in Oregon: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close
Oregon's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.