24 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. Isolated and wild, the Elk Lake Creek Trail is a treat for anyone searching for solitude. Though the southern end of the trail from Elk Lake sees occasional foot traffic coming down to the Battle Creek Junction, the northern end of the 8.9 mile through trail is seldom visited. Seekers of solitude are rewarded with sublime old-growth forest, June rhododendrons, and waterfalls on deep green Elk Lake Creek. Furthermore, the trail is very backpackable, with many pleasant campsites along the trail. This hike covers the first 2.2 miles of the trail up to the junction with the Welcome Lakes Trail; these 2.2 miles are very beautiful and are hikable often until the end of November. Such solitude, however, comes at a price: a long drive to the trailhead on lonely forest roads. Allow up to two hours for the drive to the trailhead from the Portland area. The trail begins in a reforested area but slowly climbs into a deep forest which has experienced a fairly recent wild fire. Soon deep green Elk Lake Creek can be seen in the gorge below, and soon after that waterfalls can be heard. Continue past the waterfall overlook a bit to a spur trail which leads down to the falls. Be careful here, as the spur trail can be steep, particularly close to the falls. The Elk Lake Trail enters into deep woods above the glassy and amazingly clear (in summer) creek, and you'll leave the burn area. Cross Pine Cone Creek and enter the Bull of the Woods Wilderness Area at about one mile into the hike. Enter deeper into old-growth forest and marvel at how lonely the Elk Lake Trail is in comparison with nearby Opal Creek (less than 10 miles as the crow flies). At two miles in, cross first Knob Rock Creek and then Welcome Creek; amazingly, the two creeks empty into Elk Lake Creek within 100 feet of each other. Both are fords, and Welcome Creek in particular can be wide and
Trail Stats
0.0 km
121 m
829 m
0 m
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