Oregon · Hiking · Three Sisters Wilderness

Elk Creek

1.2 mi
round trip
115 ft
climb
5,317 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Elk Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Deschutes National Forest. It doesn't name Elk Creek, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Deschutes National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Elk Creek is an easy out-and-back hike of about 1.2 miles in the Three Sisters Wilderness, part of the Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District of Deschutes National Forest in Oregon. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail sits within designated wilderness. The route is short and gentle, with a total climb of about 115 feet and a steepest grade of about 2% near the 0.34-mile mark. The high point is about 5317 feet, and the low point is about 5264 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Wickiup Dam show July highs around 83°F with only about three wet days, while winter highs sit in the low 40s. Winopee Lake Trail #16 is about 0.4 miles away, and Mink Lake is about 1.2 miles off. West Cultus Boat-In and Big Cove Boat-In, both about 5 miles away, offer camping.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Elk Creek

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      40° / 21°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      43° / 22°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      48° / 26°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      54° / 30°

      10 wet

    5. May

      63° / 36°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 42°

      6 wet

    7. Jul

      83° / 47°

      3 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 46°

      3 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 38°

      4 wet

    10. Oct

      62° / 31°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      46° / 26°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      38° / 21°

      13 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Wickiup Dam, OR, 19.6 mi away at 4,358 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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