Even though the road is rough, this is one of the most fantastic hikes in the Mt Hood National Forest as well as the Bull of the Woods Wilderness.

Forest Road 4697 brings you to the starting point of this hike. Or another way to put it is, FR4697 comes to an abrupt end due to a washout, so you have to start hiking whether you want to or not. But what the hay, walking uphill on an old roadbed is likely easier than a trail, because once you reach the saddle between Battle Ax Mtn and Mt Beachie, you leave what was a road and enter what is a trail.

Personally, I love the trail up Battle Ax. Sure it is steep, but the views that are yours to enjoy almost every inch of the way are so spectacular, that who has time to worry about where your next breath is coming from.... just take another picture!!!

The trail climbs and climbs and your eyes nearly wear out for all the unbelievable scenery you are forced to endure. If you don't run out of film on this hike, you never will. Switchback after switchback you climb. Every foot of elevation gained brings more tremendous views. At this point I could care less about that treeless rut called a road that brought me here. I could care less about the steep exhausting climb. My only concern is whether or not any one up here knows CPR!!!!

Oh, it is so worth it. There used to be a lookout on the top, so the foundations are still showing, but who cares and who has time to look at them, with millions of vistas surrounding you on 360 degrees.... just enjoy, and be glad you're alive. This hike you will never forget, even when you get out of intensive care.... I promise.

An alternative route back is to walk the ridge to the north of the summit and follow this trail down until it meets up with Trail #544 to Twin Lakes. Make a hard right turn south on the trail and follow it back to the road where you are parked. You will have to walk just a short distance up the road to get back to your vehicle. But this is truly a fun way to return and adds to the adventure... and isn't as steep as just going back down the way you got up here.

This trailhead can be accessed from Estacada via Hwy 224 and Road 46. Follow Road 46 all the way to the Humbug Campground just a few miles before Detroit Lake. Turn right on Road 4696 for about three fourths of a mile, then bear left on Road 4697. Follow this road all the way to Elk Lake. The last couple mile this road is terrible. So be warned. The road skirts the north side of Elk Lake and ends at a washout. The hike starts there.

Of course it might be easier to access this trailhead by driving 50 miles east of Salem on Highway 22. Then at Detroit turn left on Road 46. Follow this road about 4 miles to Road 4696, and turn left onto it. In about three quarters of a mile, turn left on Road 4697 and follow it to Elk Lake. The last 2 miles of this road are terrible. When you do get to the lake, continue around the north side until you come to the washout. Park and hike.

Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions Vicinity Map To contact the Mt. Hood NF for current information: Click Here.