Elk Creek Trail

Time for another visit to the Tillamook State Forest!

One week after my first post-COVID hike, I decided to return to the Coast Range and check out another "new to me" trail.

Closed campground road

The area around Elk Creek Campground is full of hiking trails.  Most popular are the climbs up Kings and Elk Mountains.  I've done Kings Mtn many times, but Elk only once.  (A super-steep trek that nearly did me in!)  But a little internet research via the Oregonhikers website revealed a few other hiking options in the vicinity.  The trail along Elk Creek got my attention.  Although gaining 2000 feet in 5 miles, it wasn't anywhere near as steep as the mountain by the same name.  It quickly rose to the top of my list.

Lovely light on the Wilson River

It was a cloudy, humid Friday morning in mid-May when I parked my car outside the closed road to Elk Creek Campground.  Thanks to COVID, all the campgrounds remained closed.  But it was only a quick 0.3 road walk to the trailhead, and the surrounding forest was so lovely I didn't mind in the least.

Beautiful Elk Creek

The campground entrance road paralleled the lovely Wilson River.  It was surrounded by lush greenery, so green in fact that this lovely hue was reflected in it's waters.

Wildflower collage - bleeding hearts, fringecup and I don't know the lower two!

Most of the Elk Creek Campground was below the road, sandwiched between the road and the river.  I peeped down through the trees, checking out all the campsites.  Many had choice riverfront real estate (location, location, location!) and I decided it would be fun to spend a night here listening to the burbling water.

Lots of bright green ferns

Crossing a bridge, I came upon the spot where Elk Creek flows into the mighty Wilson.  And if I thought the Wilson River was scenic, Elk Creek was even more so.  Mossy tree branches draped over its waters and new ultra-green leaves lined the shore.

Mossy trees

I passed through the official trailhead parking area, devoid of vehicles due to the closed road.  Several trails departed from here - the Wilson River Trail, Elk Mountain Trail, and my choice for today - Elk Creek Trail.

The wildflower variety was outstanding - corydalis, salmonberry and buttercup

Now that I was finally hiking on a trail and not a road, I began to see wildflowers almost immediately.  Pink bleeding hearts, and tons of yellow flowers that I couldn't identify.  The previous night's rain had them all sporting raindrops.

New ferns

There were lots of ferns in all stages of development.  Some ferns were so new they had yet to unfurl their green leaves and were just brown stalks with a large curl on top.

Thimbleberry

For the first two miles the trail paralleled Elk Creek.  I loved looking down at its mossy, rocky shores and hearing the soothing sound of flowing water.

This tree was barely hanging on to the ground - I passed by very quickly!

After about a mile, the trail branched.  The Elk Creek Trail continued on alongside the creek.  But the Wilson River Trail directed hikers across Elk Creek to its continuance on the opposite shore.  I read online that a bridge is placed here in summer months, but any other season it's a wet crossing.  The creek was running fast and looked nearly knee deep - not something I was willing to brave today. 

Hookers fairybells

So I continued on climbing up the Elk Creek Trail.  After mile two it began veering away from the stream and became much steeper.

Alder grove

The forest here was gorgeous.  A mix of huge, mossy fir trees and smaller alders, sporting glowing green new leaves.

I love the bright green color of new leaves in the top left

The scenery really kept my spirits up during this steep, sweaty climb.  The previous night's rain made for very humid weather.

Another wildflower sampler - Indian paintbrush, Oregon grape and penstemon

My initial plan was to hike the entire length of the Elk Creek Trail.  This trail continues uphill for nearly 5 miles before intersecting with the Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain Trails.  However, after covering 4.5 uphill miles, I was wearing down.  And my tummy was ready for lunch.

Passing by a rocky cliff - I loved all the green in this photo

Having not seen another person so far that day, I sat down right on the trail and enjoyed my snacks.  It was a much-needed break!

Miners lettuce

Although only a half mile or so from my trail junction destination, I decided I'd done enough climbing for the day.  Ready for some downhill hiking, my lunch spot also became my turn-around point.

There's something about mossy old trees

After climbing all morning, it felt great to be traipsing downhill.  And although it was the same scenery, things always look different from another direction.

Elk Creek and columbine flowers

Arriving back at the creek crossing location again, I stopped to photograph some beautiful orange columbine flowers.  A passing hiker alerted me to water ouzels (little dipper birds) along the creek, so I decided to take moment and see if I could spot one.

Columbine

I climbed down the bank and rambled along Elk Creek's rocky shore.  Although I missed seeing the ouzels, the creek itself, surrounded by lush greenery, was a great consolation prize.

Elk Creek - I was tempted to cross but the water was running fast and deep

From there it was a fast mile and a half down the level trail and road to my car.  The parking area was full, and vehicles lined the adjacent highway.  Most of those people were attempting Elk Mountain or Wilson River Trails.  But I'd seen only two people all day on the Elk Creek Trail.

No shortage of ferns!

What a hidden gem of a trail!  I thoroughly enjoyed my 9-mile romp through the lush, mossy Coast Range forest.  The variety of wildflowers was impressive.  I'm fortunate to have this wonderful forest a mere 45-mile drive from my home - and to have it open for hikers when many other trails were closed due to the pandemic.