1.3 hr
Overview
NOTICE: Trails in this area were affected by the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire and the 2021 Bull Complex Fire. Please check current closures in the Willamette National Forest and the Clackamas River Ranger District before planning an outing. Remote and wild, the Elk Lake 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, the Elk Lake Trail is excellent for backpackers. Furthermore, the trail intersects the Welcome Lakes and Mother Lode Trails, so loops are possible and recommended. Should you choose to hike just the Elk Lake Trail, be forewarned: the trail between the Welcome Lakes Junction (2.2 miles from the trailhead) and the Battle Creek Shelter (4.9 miles) 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, which can be a problem for backpackers. While there are two trailheads for the Elk Lake Trail, the northern one is the only one that will not severely test a passenger car. Since this is the recommended approach, the hike description begins from this trailhead. Alternately, those who have a high-clearance truck or SUV may start at Elk Lake. 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 Area 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. Cont
Trail Stats
0.0 km
396 m
1155 m
0 m
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