31 min
Overview
NOTICE: Trails in this area have been affected by the 2021 Bull Complex Fire. Please check current closures in the Clackamas River Ranger District before planning an outing. Remote and wild, the Elk Lake Creek Trail follows Elk Lake Creek through the Bull of the Woods Wilderness Area 8.9 miles to Elk Lake. While a 17.8 mile round trip hike is too much for most hikers to cover in one day, a shorter alternative to the site of the former Battle Creek Shelter near the confluence of Battle Creek and Elk Lake Creek makes an ideal day-hike destination. Be forewarned though; the trail beyond the Welcome Lakes Junction (2.2 miles from the trailhead) fords Elk Lake Creek twice and Battle Creek once and suffers from a lack of maintenance. Be prepared to get wet and climb over downed old-growth trees. The trail begins in a reforested area but quickly climbs to an overlook of a waterfall and deep green pool on Elk Lake Creek. From here, descend slightly into deeper forest and cross into the Bull of the Woods Wilderness at the crossing of Pine Cone Creek. At 2.0 miles, cross first Knob Rock Creek and then Welcome Creek. Note the two 10-15 foot waterfalls on Welcome Creek just above the trail. Shortly afterward, come to the junction with the Welcome Lakes Trail. Continue downhill (straight) and soon after, you'll be at the first ford of Elk Lake Creek. While the wide creek may appear to be only inches deep (in summer, at least), you'll soon find it is calf- to knee-deep! The incredible clarity of Elk Lake Creek is truly astounding. Continue on the far side of the creek, and climb slightly into deep old-growth forest. If you pay close attention to the trees above you, you'll notice insulators that once held telegraph wires. There are quite a few along the Elk Lake Creek Trail. Also note how this stretch of trail suffers from a large number of downed trees, many of them quite large. You'll have fun climbing over the windfall until you get tired of it and realize there are still more logs to negotiate. At 3.1 miles from the
Trail Stats
0.0 km
152 m
856 m
0 m
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