Trail Advocates

Key Stats for the Battle Ax Creek Trail - 3339

About

The Battle Ax Creek Trail 3339 is an old abandoned road that was changed to trail status when it was included in the Bull of the Woods Wilderness.  It more or less follows Battle Ax Creek, although you can’t see it from the trail most of the time.  There are a few interesting views along the way.  Some of the washed out creek crossings could be challenging during periods of higher water.  Since the trail is an old road, although it gains a lot of elevation, it is pretty well graded.

The north end of the trail is at a gate on old abandoned Forest Road 2209. Following this road west will take you to Jawbone Flats. There is also a connector trail (Whetstone Mountain) that heads north up to the Whetstone Trail that heads over to Whetstone Mountain.

There are two stories as to how Battle Ax received its name. One is to the effect that it is sharp and has the appearance of a Battle Ax, while the other is that it was named by an old woodsman of the North Santiam Valley for a brand of chewing tobacco that was popular in the 1890s and that he used liberally while exploring in the area.¹

This item has comments in the Old discussions archive.

¹Oregon Geographic Names, McArthur, Lewis.

Directions

From the city of Detroit on Hwy 22, turn on Forest Road 46. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Forest Service road 4696. Turn left on road 4696. Travel approximately 0.8 miles on road 4696 to road 4697. Turn left on road 4697 and travel approximately 7.7 increasingly rough and rocky miles to the Beachie Creek Saddle road above the west end of Elk Lake. The trailhead is at the end of the road.