photos and story by Genevieve Harman

UCC / The Mainstream

A little foreground: This trail idea was borne on the mishap of a previous adventure when some friends and I thought we’d take the "scenic route" back from Gold Beach.

The scenery was outstanding as the "highway" turned into a dirt road that has more corners than straight stretches as it wends along the ridge line of the coast range. To my memory, there were also a few obscure hiking trails. So, not quite knowing where I was going, I set out to reintroduce myself to these past acquaintances on a Friday, when I usually have class. I brought along companions – Calpurnia, Atticus, Jem and Scout – beans wrapped in paper towels and soaking in water from which I planned to extract two variable data for math class.

Elk Creek Falls offers dessert first for hikers who come to view the fan waterfall about 1/16 to 1/8 of a mile down the trail. Welcoming hikers is a well-placed little bench that overlooks the small mist-shrouded valley of Elk Creek falls.

An adjoining trail, the Big Tree trail, gets to the real meat as it climbs up and follows the ridge line of the hills that tower over the falls area. The steep, nearly 2.5 mile trail makes its way through a series of switchbacks. The thunderous noise of falling water has long dissipated by the time the trail levels out on th

e ridgeline.

Numerous wildflowers including both white and pink trillium, wood violets, wood sorrel and more, line the trail. Near the trail’s end, the path heads through meadow-like habitat and a stand of deciduous trees. The trail concludes with a picnic table and a sequestered viewing platform. The platform offers a view of a very large, un-photogenic tree instead of a gorgeous view or some unusual geology.

The Big Tree is a bigger deal than it looks as it is the largest Port Orford cedar in the world reaching a height of 219 feet and spanning over 12 feet in diameter.

The Rogue Coquille Scenic Byway starts at Powers and winds its way to the coast. Driving only a short way down the road from Powers brings travelers to the Elk Creek Falls and Big Tree Park recreation areas.

Other recreational opportunities in close proximity to Elk Creek and Big Tree Park are China Flats Recreation Area which was moderately suspicious looking, and the Barklow Mountain Trail head, which is 11 miles up the side road leading to China Flats. •

Trail length:

About 2.5 miles

Travel time from Roseburg:

About 2 hours

Facilities: Large obliging trees

Parking Area

Rated difficulty: None

Realistic difficulty: Moderate Type of fall: Fan

Mosquito population:

Present, but not overly irritating

Things to bring: Toilet paper

Mosquito repellent