Difference between revisions of "Battle Creek from Elk Lake Hike"
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[[Category:Central Oregon]] | [[Category:Central Oregon]] | ||
[[Category:Mt Hood National Forest]] | [[Category:Mt Hood National Forest]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Clackamas River Area]] | ||
[[Category:Bull of the Woods Wilderness]] | [[Category:Bull of the Woods Wilderness]] | ||
[[Category:Moderate Hikes]] | [[Category:Moderate Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Wilderness Hikes]] | [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Off The Beaten Track]] | ||
[[Category:Backpackable Hikes]] | [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Old Growth Hikes]] | [[Category:Old Growth Hikes]] | ||
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[[Image:Elklakecreektrail.jpg|thumb|400px|Elk Lake Creek Trail ''(Cheryl Hill)'']] | [[Image:Elklakecreektrail.jpg|thumb|400px|Elk Lake Creek Trail ''(Cheryl Hill)'']] | ||
| − | + | [[Image:ElkLakeTrhd1.jpg|thumb|250px|Parked opposite the Elk Lake Trailhead on narrow FR 4697 ''(bobcat)'']] | |
| + | [[Image:BattleCreekCamp.jpg|thumb|250px|Campsite near the site of the Battle Creek Shelter ''(RobFromRedland)'']] | ||
| + | [[Image:ElkLakeCreek_Map.jpg|thumb|400px|Battle Creek Shelter Hike Map]] | ||
{{Start point|Elk Lake Trailhead}} | {{Start point|Elk Lake Trailhead}} | ||
| − | * End point: [[Battle Creek Shelter]] | + | * End point: [[Battle Creek Shelter Site]] |
| − | * | + | * Hike type: Out-and-back |
| − | + | ||
{{Distance|8.4 miles}} | {{Distance|8.4 miles}} | ||
{{Elevation gain|1,100 feet}} | {{Elevation gain|1,100 feet}} | ||
| + | * High point: 3,850 feet | ||
{{Difficulty|Moderate}} | {{Difficulty|Moderate}} | ||
* Seasons: Summer, Fall | * Seasons: Summer, Fall | ||
| Line 25: | Line 29: | ||
=== Hike Description === | === Hike Description === | ||
| − | + | <b><font color=red>NOTICE: Trails in this area have been affected by the 2021 Bull Complex Fire. Expect some challenging trail conditions.</font color></b> | |
| − | + | Remote and wild, the Elk Lake Creek Trail follows Elk Lake Creek through the Bull of the Woods Wilderness 8.9 miles between [[Elk Lake (Bull of the Woods)|Elk Lake]] on the south end and a [[Elk Lake Creek Trailhead|trailhead]] on the northern end on Road 6380. This hike describes a 4.2 mile section starting at [[Elk Lake (Bull of the Woods)|Elk Lake]]. This trail does not see much use or maintenance so you may encounter brush and downed trees. But the bonus is that you will see few, if any, other hikers. | |
| − | The trail descends down to a flat area with a signless signpost. This is the intersection with the Mother Lode Trail, which heads off to your left. This flat area used to be the site of the [[Battle Creek Shelter]] but it is long gone. There is plenty of room for backpackers to set up camp here. Even if you are not backpacking it is worthwhile to take a look at pretty Elk Lake Creek, which flows along the edge of this area. This makes a great spot to stop for lunch. | + | The trail heads off into the trees, passing the Bull of the Woods Wilderness boundary almost immediately. (While this area is part of the Mt. Hood National Forest, it is actually administered by the Willamette National Forest.) The creek for which this trail is named is completely out of sight and earshot. The trail ambles through a forest of large trees, some of which are enormous old growth. Enjoy blooming rhododendrons in early summer and ripe huckleberries in late summer. Although the trail may be brushy in spots, it is always easy to follow. |
| + | |||
| + | After 4 1/4 miles, the trail descends down to a flat area with a signless signpost. This is the intersection with the Mother Lode Trail, which heads off to your left. This flat area used to be the site of the [[Battle Creek Shelter Site|Battle Creek Shelter]], but it is long gone. There is plenty of room for backpackers to set up camp here. Even if you are not backpacking, it is worthwhile to take a look at pretty Elk Lake Creek, which flows along the edge of this area. This makes a great spot to stop for a relaxed lunch. | ||
Return the way you came. | Return the way you came. | ||
| Line 35: | Line 41: | ||
=== Maps === | === Maps === | ||
| + | {{Hikemaps|latitude=44.8316|longitude=-122.0742}} | ||
* Green Trails Maps: ''Battle Ax, OR #524'' | * Green Trails Maps: ''Battle Ax, OR #524'' | ||
* U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, Bull of the Woods Wilderness, Opal Creek Wilderness, Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area'' | * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, Bull of the Woods Wilderness, Opal Creek Wilderness, Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area'' | ||
| Line 40: | Line 47: | ||
* U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Clackamas River Ranger District'' | * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Clackamas River Ranger District'' | ||
* U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Mt. Hood National Forest'' | * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Mt. Hood National Forest'' | ||
| + | * Adventure Maps: ''Mount Jefferson, Bull of the Woods & Opal Creek Wilderness Trail Map'' | ||
=== Regulations or Restrictions, etc. === | === Regulations or Restrictions, etc. === | ||
| − | * Most of the hike is within the Bull | + | * Most of the hike is within the Bull of the Woods Wilderness Area. All wilderness area restrictions apply. |
| + | * Access is via a rough forest road; clearance recommended | ||
| − | {{TripReports|Battle Creek}} | + | {{TripReports|Battle Creek from Elk Lake}} |
| + | * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=30824 Elk lake creek from elk lake] | ||
| − | {{RelatedDiscussions|Battle Creek}} | + | {{RelatedDiscussions|Battle Creek from Elk Lake}} |
=== Guidebooks that cover this hike === | === Guidebooks that cover this hike === | ||
| + | * ''Off the Beaten Trail'' by Matt Reeder | ||
* ''101 Hikes in the Majestic Mount Jefferson Region'' by Matt Reeder | * ''101 Hikes in the Majestic Mount Jefferson Region'' by Matt Reeder | ||
| − | * '' | + | * ''105 Virtual Hikes of the Mt. Hood National Forest'' by Northwest Hiker |
| − | + | * ''Best Old-growth Forest Hikes: Washington & Oregon Cascades'' by John & Diane Cissel | |
| + | * ''A Walking Guide to Oregon's Ancient Forests'' by Wendell Wood | ||
| + | * ''62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don & Roberta Lowe | ||
| + | * ''70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don & Roberta Lowe | ||
| + | * [http://www.trailadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/OregonsHiddenWilderness.pdf ''A Hiker's Guide to Oregon's Hidden Wilderness'' (Central Cascades Conservation Council)] | ||
=== More Links === | === More Links === | ||
| − | * | + | * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=52920 Elk Lake Creek Trail #559 (USFS)] |
| + | * [https://www.trailadvocate.org/trails/559-2/ Elk Lake Creek Trail 559 (Trail Advocates)] | ||
| + | * [http://cherylhill.net/blog/2018/09/04/elk-lake-creek-trail/ Elk Lake Creek Trail (Just Peachy)] | ||
| + | * [https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7071144/elk-lake-creek-trail-559 Elk Lake Creek Trail #559 (Hiking Project)] | ||
| + | |||
=== Contributors === | === Contributors === | ||
* [[User:justpeachy|justpeachy]] (creator) | * [[User:justpeachy|justpeachy]] (creator) | ||
Latest revision as of 16:37, 2 July 2023
- Start point: Elk Lake Trailhead
- End point: Battle Creek Shelter Site
- Hike type: Out-and-back
- Distance: 8.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,100 feet
- High point: 3,850 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Summer, Fall
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
NOTICE: Trails in this area have been affected by the 2021 Bull Complex Fire. Expect some challenging trail conditions.
Remote and wild, the Elk Lake Creek Trail follows Elk Lake Creek through the Bull of the Woods Wilderness 8.9 miles between Elk Lake on the south end and a trailhead on the northern end on Road 6380. This hike describes a 4.2 mile section starting at Elk Lake. This trail does not see much use or maintenance so you may encounter brush and downed trees. But the bonus is that you will see few, if any, other hikers.
The trail heads off into the trees, passing the Bull of the Woods Wilderness boundary almost immediately. (While this area is part of the Mt. Hood National Forest, it is actually administered by the Willamette National Forest.) The creek for which this trail is named is completely out of sight and earshot. The trail ambles through a forest of large trees, some of which are enormous old growth. Enjoy blooming rhododendrons in early summer and ripe huckleberries in late summer. Although the trail may be brushy in spots, it is always easy to follow.
After 4 1/4 miles, the trail descends down to a flat area with a signless signpost. This is the intersection with the Mother Lode Trail, which heads off to your left. This flat area used to be the site of the Battle Creek Shelter, but it is long gone. There is plenty of room for backpackers to set up camp here. Even if you are not backpacking, it is worthwhile to take a look at pretty Elk Lake Creek, which flows along the edge of this area. This makes a great spot to stop for a relaxed lunch.
Return the way you came.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Green Trails Maps: Battle Ax, OR #524
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, Bull of the Woods Wilderness, Opal Creek Wilderness, Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area
- Geo-Graphics: Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wilderness Map
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Clackamas River Ranger District
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Mt. Hood National Forest
- Adventure Maps: Mount Jefferson, Bull of the Woods & Opal Creek Wilderness Trail Map
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
- Most of the hike is within the Bull of the Woods Wilderness Area. All wilderness area restrictions apply.
- Access is via a rough forest road; clearance recommended
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Battle Creek from Elk Lake
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Battle Creek from Elk Lake
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Off the Beaten Trail by Matt Reeder
- 101 Hikes in the Majestic Mount Jefferson Region by Matt Reeder
- 105 Virtual Hikes of the Mt. Hood National Forest by Northwest Hiker
- Best Old-growth Forest Hikes: Washington & Oregon Cascades by John & Diane Cissel
- A Walking Guide to Oregon's Ancient Forests by Wendell Wood
- 62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades by Don & Roberta Lowe
- 70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades by Don & Roberta Lowe
- A Hiker's Guide to Oregon's Hidden Wilderness (Central Cascades Conservation Council)
More Links
- Elk Lake Creek Trail #559 (USFS)
- Elk Lake Creek Trail 559 (Trail Advocates)
- Elk Lake Creek Trail (Just Peachy)
- Elk Lake Creek Trail #559 (Hiking Project)
Contributors
- justpeachy (creator)