Elk Creek Trail

Elk Creek Trail begins at the Elk Creek Trailhead, which is also a gateway to the Elk Mountain Trail and the Wilson River Trail. The trailhead is adjacent to a small primitive campground with a vault toilet. There are 20 parking spaces at the trailhead. The trail follows an old road bed up Elk Creek before starting to wind it's way up the backside of Elk Mountain in several long, road-grade switchbacks. The road bed is thoroughly returned to dirt and moss and in some places is brushed in to a narrow track. The incline is largely gentle and the switchbacks make the elevation change gradual The trail begins where the Wilson River Trail branches off and crosses the creek on a seasonal bridge. The bridge is used during the summer months but it pulled aside for spring, winter, and fall to avoid flood damage. To follow the Elk Creek Trail, do not cross the creek but continue north along the creek and uphill. The trail follows the creek for a while and travels through pleasant second-growth forest, largely Douglas Fir and Alder. West Fork Elk Creek runs high and strong during winter, spring, and fall and is a really lovely sight as you walk along above it's banks. There are no turns or junctions until the trail meets the Elk Mountain Trail near the top of the ridgeline, where the old road joins another road and continues up the ridge to Elk Mountain.