3. Bell Creek

2024 Status

The Bell Creek Trail recently reopened following the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. The trail is at the upper edge of the fire and it is not feasible to fully assess the condition of the old growth along this trail until I can field check, which I plan to do soon after the trail is snow-free. I am optimistic that most of the old growth survived. Information below is presented for historical purposes.

Map Text (1993)

Immense Douglas-firs and western redcedars await visitors along the path to Bell Creek. Start downhill on the Oneonta Trail (#424) and follow it until intersecting the Bell Creek Trail (#459). Turn right on #459 and cross a small stream. From here the density of large, old Douglas-firs in-creases; some individuals reach six feet in diameter. A few pockets of big western redcedars also grace the wayside. An area of blowndown timber that has been salvage logged about 1-1/4 miles from the trail junction makes a good turnaround spot. There are some huge trees up to eight feet thick that have been left here, however, and another stretch of old growth can be found across Bell Creek.

Note: This map was published in 1993 prior to the Eagle Creek Fire, and is shown below for historical purposes.