Trail Advocates

Key Stats for the Elk Lake Creek Trail - 559

About

Elk Lake Trail 559 is the major north-south trail that traverses the east side of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness area.  It crosses Elk Lake Creek 3 times and a few minor creeks.  The Elk Lake Creek crossings will require you to get wet almost anytime during the year.  During the higher water months, the crossings can be especially challenging.

The trail info sheet does a good job of describing the highlights of this trail.

Directions

North Trailhead:Travel Hwy 224 thru Estacada to Ripplebrook. Continue thru Ripplebrook and immediately after crossing the river, continue straight on Forest Service road 46. Travel approximately 3.5 miles on road 46. Turn right at the junction with Forest Road 63. Stay on road 63 for approximately 12.3 miles where the road splits. Take the right road (Forest Road 6380) and follow it for approximately 2.3 miles to the bridge over the Collowash river. This bridge has been closed to vehicles, so you will need park here and walk the last 0.5 miles to the trailhead on the left. There should be a sign and parking area.

Southern Trailhead: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 6.1 increasingly rough and rocky miles to the trailhead at the east end of Elk Lake. The trailhead is on the right.