Elk, Mendocino Kayak Launch Scouting

I took a drive to Elk to see how difficult it would be to launch a kayak.  I heard it is a long hike from the parking area to the launch spot.
Parked at the Greenwood Creek State Beach parking lot and hiked down to the beach, which was 0.5 mile and 250 ft elevation change.  The path gets narrow at several locations, but a kayak can make without much difficulty.  You need a beach cart to access the water. 
After a long day of fishing and a heavy stringer, it would be a difficult hike to return to the parking lot.  Make sure to save some energy to return to your vehicle.  I think I will take my Stealth kayak instead Hobie Outback to reduce the weight. 

If anyone is experienced launching from Elk,  I would love to hear your experience. 

Anybody interested in joining me at Elk, just let me know.  I will wait for a very calm day for my first trip to Elk.

Paul

GWK used to host the Elk Rockfish Fiesta there, the predecessor to Albion - it was a great event. The hill was a killer particularly on return like you wrote. A few folks had Sherpas to retrieve their kayaks.

Only 250’ of elevation change? I believe you, it seemed like more. Often thought about fishing there again, but the memory of the hill stopped it, lol.

By the time I learned of the Elk event, NIMBY resistance resulted in the move to Albion.

My son and I attended the Elk derby in 2006. Had a great time. I still remember pulling my kayak up that hill.

Al

https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=9379.0

Elk 2008
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,14116.0.html

Elk 2007
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,9379.0.html

Elk 2006
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,5050.0.html

Elk 2005
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,1409.0.html

I think there's a free Clipper Creek EV charging station there
I remember driving up to the Elk Tourney really late after work and sleeping barely like 3 hours in the driver seat, and freezing my tail off.  If I were ever to roadside car camp again like that, I'd plug into "shore power" and probably have a great sleep!

That hill is to be feared.  I remember being really fit back then, and getting down, launching, landing, and back up was still a crushing effort.  Totallllllly worth it though

Thank you for all the information. 
I am 62 years old and not getting any younger.  If I don't try soon, I will have to hire a kayak carrier.

Paul

I just did a trail run with Mable with a 330' elevation gain. Pulling a yak up 250' sounds really tough. Depends on grade somewhat. The Lynx is about as easy as it gets.

Yikes sounds rough 

I recalled some "seniors" were hiring helpers to pull their kayaks up hill 

What a beautiful spot!  Big trek to the water, but probably epic fishing once you are out there.

I recalled some "seniors" were hiring helpers to pull their kayaks up hill 

I remember Mooch paying a nice lady $20 to pull his kayak up the hill. I think it was 2007.

I recalled some "seniors" were hiring helpers to pull their kayaks up hill 

I remember Mooch paying a nice lady $20 to pull his kayak up the hill. I think it was 2007.

I will be happy to pay $20x3 with inflation factored in.
Any powered kayak puller?

I recalled some "seniors" were hiring helpers to pull their kayaks up hill 

I remember Mooch paying a nice lady $20 to pull his kayak up the hill. I think it was 2007.

Mooch's sherpa