Parking area at the trailhead.
Trailhead.
Bull of the Woods Wilderness entry sign, slightly askew due to erosion.
The first section of the trail travels through a burned section from the Motherlode Fire of September, 2011.
Elk Lake Creek is far below at the beginning of the trail.
Burnt forest allows plenty of sunshine, aiding in the growth of wildflowers.
Tall wildflowers.
An unnamed waterfall on Elk Lake Creek.
Elk Creek far below.
Crossing a talus field as the trail climbs steeply.
The trail delves into green, old-growth forest after the burn.
Creekside campsites at approximately 1.5 miles in.
Creekside campsites at approximately 1.5 miles in.
The trail passes by the first creekside campsites.
An unnamed waterfall and inviting swimming hole on Welcome Creek.
Campsite near Welcome Creek.
The first necessary Elk Creek crossing.
The first necessary Elk Creek crossing.
Old-growth, mossy green forest as the trail now traces the south bank of Elk Lake Creek.
Bluff overlooking Emerald Pool, approximately 3.5 miles in.
Emerald Pool, a deep and vibrant jewel.
Emerald Pool is the highlight of this hike
A long exposure of the glassy, green, clear waters.
The depth of the pool is difficult to determine, but the bottom is clearly visible.
Elk Lake Creek pours into Emerald Pool as the flow slows.
The second of three major creek crossings over Elk Lake Creek.
Downstream of the second creek crossing.
Upstream of the second creek crossing. Wade in this direction to find another swimming hole.
Wildflowers along the southeast bank of Elk Lake Creek.
Swimming hole and rocky bar upstream of the second crossing.
A recent landslide diverts the trail up a steep and exposed slope.
Massive Douglas fir trees along the trail.
A large downed tree across the trail.
The third and final major creek crossing through Battle Creek.
Clear underbrush near the end of this section of trail.
Occasional trail number markings.
Well-developed campsite at the end of this section of trail.
Campsite along Elk Lake Creek.
Elk Lake Creek from the campsite bluff.
A well-developed campsite at the end of this section of trail.
There are several campsites at the end of this section of the trail.
These campsites lie between Battle Creek and Elk Lake Creek.
Battle Creek near the campsites.
Battle Creek near the campsites.