Deep green pool on Elk Lake Creek some 3.1 miles from the trailhead (Matt Reeder)

The second ford of Elk Lake Creek (Matt Reeder)

Campsite near the site of the Battle Creek Shelter (RobFromRedland)

Deep old-growth forest between the fords of Elk Lake Creek (Matt Reeder)

The route of the Elk Lake Creek Trail to the site of the Battle Creek Shelter (bobcat) Courtesy: Caltopo/USFS

• Start point: Elk Lake Creek Trailhead
• End point: Battle Creek Shelter Site
• Trail Log: Trail Log
• Hike Type: Out-and-back
• Distance: 9.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 500 feet
• High point: 2,810 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Seasons: Summer, fall
• Family Friendly: No
• Backpackable: Yes
• Crowded: No

Hike Description

NOTICE: Trails in this area have been affected by the 2021 Bull Complex Fire. The Elk Lake Creek Trail is CLOSED three miles from the Elk Lake Creek Trailhead (2023 Forest Service notice).

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 trailhead, you'll come to a low bluff overlooking an incredibly deep and clear pool on Elk Lake Creek. Often it is possible to see fish swimming 10+ feet down in the pool. Marvel at the emerald color of the pool. This makes a great lunch and turnaround spot, but we're continuing towards the Battle Creek Shelter, so we'll be on our way.

Not long after the deep green pool comes the second ford of Elk Lake Creek. Once again, the water is stunningly clear and far deeper than it appears. This ford is slightly deeper than the first, but in summer and early fall it should be easy enough for any adult. Remember to bring trekking poles or a hiking stick; you'll appreciate having an extra point of contact or two as the rocks in the creek are large and quite slippery.

Back on your original side of Elk Lake Creek, the trail turns slightly uphill. (Note: while the trail gains a total of only 500 feet, there are many small ups and downs, and the constant climbing over downed trees can quickly sap your energy.) Downed trees become more and more of a problem. At about four miles into the hike, the trail becomes difficult to follow as brush has overgrown the trail in several sections. Trust your instincts here and continue ahead, but not without first looking for blazes and sections of tread below you. The closer you get to Battle Creek, the more the trail suffers as it heads down into the bog that is the confluence of Battle Creek and Elk Lake Creek. The Elk Lake Trail is not always easy to follow here, but if you get away from the trail, STAY CLOSE TO ELK LAKE CREEK. Eventually, the trail comes to Battle Creek, which is just as wide as Elk Lake Creek and just as deep. Ford Battle Creek and negotiate the mess of downed trees on the other side, and you'll very quickly be at the site of the old Battle Creek Shelter, which collapsed under deep snow in 1988. This is an excellent spot for backpackers, as there is room for about 5-6 tents, easy creek access, two fire pits, and often plenty of available wood. The former shelter site also marks the junction of the Elk Lake Trail with the Mother Lode Trail, which climbs up out of the Battle Creek canyon to the Bull of the Woods Lookout.

The Battle Creek Shelter Site is an excellent spot to eat lunch, to explore the confluence of Battle and Elk Lake Creeks, and just to relax. On hot days a dip in Elk Lake Creek is a necessity. Return the way you came, but remember to exercise caution and take your time negotiating the downed trees and brush covering the trail between the shelter site and the second ford of Elk Lake Creek. If you lose the trail, retrace your steps carefully. If you get sidetracked, stay as close to Elk Lake Creek as you can. For obvious reasons, this is not a trail you should hike alone unless you are very experienced. The downed trees and creek fords are the price you have to pay for such solitude in such a beautiful setting.

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.

• Self-issued wilderness permit. All wilderness area restrictions apply.

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Battle Creek Shelter

• Elk Lake Creek trail partial closure

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Battle Creek Shelter

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
• Oregon's Wilderness Areas by George Wuerthner
• Oregon's Best Wildflower Hikes: Northwest Region by George Wuerthner
• 62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades by Don & Roberta Lowe
• 70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades by Don & Roberta Lowe

More Links

• Elk Lake Creek Trail #559 (USFS)
• Elk Lake Creek Trail 559 (Trail Advocates)
• Elk Lake Creek – Bull of the Woods Wilderness (wanderingyuncks)
• Elk Lake Creek: North Trailhead to Battle Creek (Outdoor Project)
• "Explore the emerald pools Oregon's Elk Lake Creek via ‘wilderness snorkeling’" (Statesman Journal)

Contributors

• Mattisnotfrench (creator)