Bull of the Woods Wilderness

The Bull of the Woods Wilderness is a wilderness area located in the Mount Hood National Forest in the northwestern Cascades of Oregon, United States. It was created in 1984 and consists of 37,607 acres (15,219 ha) including prime low-elevation old-growth forest, about a dozen lakes of at least 1-acre (4,000 m2) and many large creeks and streams. Adjacent areas, including Opal Creek Wilderness to the west, create a pristine area of nearly 84 square miles (218 km2). There are at least ten trailheads and 60 miles (97 km) of trail.

Bull of the Woods Wilderness
IUCN category Ib (wilderness area)
Elk Lake Creek
LocationClackamas / Marion counties, Oregon, USA[1]
Nearest cityDetroit, Oregon
Coordinates44°52′14″N 122°07′02″W[2]
Area37,607 acres (15,219 ha)
Established1984
Governing bodyU.S. Forest Service

The name of the peak and thus the wilderness area comes from logging jargon in which the "bull of the woods" was the most experienced logging foreman in an operation.[3]

Topography

5,558-foot (1,694 m) tall Battle Ax summit is the highest point in the Wilderness. Among other tall peaks are 5,710-foot (1,740 m) Schreiner Peak, 5,526-foot (1,684 m) Big Slide Mountain and 5,523-foot (1,683 m) Bull of the Woods Mountain, from which the area derives its name. An abandoned fire lookout stands at the top of Bull of the Woods Mountain, from which views of the Cascades and the surrounding territory can be seen. The mountain slopes are quite steep, with lower inclines ranging from 30 to 60 degrees and upper inclines from 60 to 90 degrees. The wilderness contains the headwaters of the Collawash, and Little North Santiam rivers.[3]

Vegetation

The forest consists almost solely of coniferous species such as Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar, but deciduous red alder is also prevalent along creeks.[3] Pacific yew is also common in certain parts of the wilderness, and rhododendrons can be seen blooming profusely throughout many areas around early June. Bull of the Woods contains one of the last stands of old growth in western Oregon, and is home to the northern spotted owl.[3][4]

Recreation

Primary recreational activities in Bull of the Woods include camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and soaking in the hot springs. It is possible to see relics of the 19th century gold rush, such as deserted mine shafts and old mining equipment. Various trails lead to a fire lookout at the peak of Bull of the Woods Mountain, with fantastic views of the Wilderness.

  • Rhododendrons blooming against a forest backdrop
  • Welcome Creek in spring
  • Rapids on Elk Lake Creek
  • A hidden off-trail waterfall on Elk Lake Creek
  • Fire lookout atop Bull of the Woods
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See also

References
  1. U.S. National Wilderness Preservation System Map (Map). Wilderness.net. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  2. "Bull of the Woods Wilderness". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2008-12-12.
  3. "Bull of the Woods Wilderness". The Wilderness Institute at the University of Montana. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
  4. "Bull of the Woods Wilderness, Oregon". Public Lands Information Center. Retrieved 2008-12-12.
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