Elk Lake Trail #559, OR

This trail enters the Bull of the Woods Wilderness. This trail is a major north-south route traversing the east side of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness Area. Within Bull of the Woods Wilderness. From the trailhead the trail follows Elk lake Creek to a junction with Welcome Lakes Trail #554. Hike through old-growth forest, June rhododendrons and view waterfalls on Elk Lake Creek. The trail follows the scenic Elk Lake Creek valley for its entire length. The trail passes through areas of very large Douglas and True Fir old growth. Elk Lake Creek is an excellent stream for fishing. Please use caution when crossing Elk Lake Creek during high water months.


The trail begins at Forest Road 6380 and ends at Forest Road 4697 adjacent to Elk Lake and Elk Lake Campground on the Willamette National Forest. From the trailhead the trail quickly enters the Bull of the Woods Wilderness and begins to climb gradually on the north side of Elk Lake Creek. The trail reaches Pine Cone Creek after 0.8 mile (2,520’). The trail crosses the creek and continues climbing southwest 1.1 miles to Knob Rock Creek. The trail crosses the creek and heads south 0.2 mile to the junction with Welcome Lakes Trail #554 (2,640’). From the junction, the trail heads downhill gradually and after 0.2 mile the trail crosses Elk Lake Creek. The trail follows beautiful rolling terrain for the next 1.2 miles to another crossing of Elk Lake Creek (2,680’). The trail crosses the creek and travels another 1.2 miles to Battle Creek. There are a couple good campsites available in this area. 0.2 mile from Battle Creek, the trail reaches the junction with Mother Lode Trail #558 (2,800’). Head south from the junction on #559 and climb approximately 1.3 miles to where the trail levels (3,520’). The trail continues to climb gradually for the last 2.6 miles to Elk Lake (3,720’).

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