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Battle Ax Mountain

Detroit, Oregon

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

5.09 miles

Elevation Gain

1594 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jeffrey Green

Battle Ax Mountain offers up incredible mountain views and outstanding hiking for great exercise. This route had the potential to turn into overnight trip.

With no officially marked trailhead, this hike begins slightly west of Elk Lake in Marion County. Take Highway 22 to Detroit, OR. East of the bridge over Breitenbush River, turn onto (FR) Forest Road 46, with signs pointing to Breitenbush River. After 4.5 miles turn left at a sign for Elk Lake, at FR 4696.

In 0.8 miles, turn left at a small gravel road, onto FR 4697. There will be a fork after 4.6 miles, marked by a light green metal post. Keep left, then keep right at the marked fork for Elk Lake Campground. This road is very rough, so you will need a high clearance four-wheel drive.

Park your car at the end of the road (near a washed out hole) and begin hiking west on the same gravel road. In a half mile, you will see Trail 3340 on your right, unmarked. Follow this trail for 2 miles to the summit of Battle Ax Mountain.

This trail is well maintained, with numerous switchbacks and plenty of outstanding scenery, ranging from incredible rock formations, to sweeping views of the cascades, to beautiful wildflowers. The particularly adventurous can look for a lesser-known cave in the area, off trail, as well. There are also many suitable locations for overnight camping along this route.

At the summit, you will see the remains of a demolished fire lookout, and with high visibility, you can identify eleven volcanos in the distance: Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt Rainer, Mt. Hood, Mt Jefferson, 3 Fingered Jack, Mt Washington, Broken Top, North Sister, Middle Sister, and South Sister. Of course, this view is especially beautiful at sunset, with the setting sun in the east, and the glow towards the west. Stay out a little longer for clear sky stargazing, too.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers

Reviews

Bring poles, this will kill your legs. But don’t be scared it’s worth it!

The road is in good condition, as are the trails. We took #544 up and camped at the turn off onto the battle ax trail. These is still some snow covering sections of the trail. Maybe 100 yards total. Took the battle ax trail down and walked the road back to the 544 trailhead. The battle ax trail is overgrown and a bit scrubby. We were glad to have taken the Bagby trail up and the battle ax trail down.

The description was perfect. The trail is marked 544, I passed it not paying attention to my gps. I will do this again later in the summer to make it to the top!

Excellent description of the adventure, Jeff! It must be a Spiritual experience to catch a glimpse of God's creation from a vantage point such as this : )

Excellent description of the adventure, Jeff! It must be a Spiritual experience to catch a glimpse of God's creation from a vantage point such as this : )

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Gold Butte Fire Lookout

Dome Rock via the Upper Trailhead

Backpack the Opal Creek Wilderness

Opal Creek Pools Loop

Hike to Bagby Hot Springs

Hike Natural Rock Arch Trail