Bells Mountain Trail
Yacolt Burn Forest Trail rings out to be explored
Quick Facts:
Location: Clark County
Land Agency: Washington Department of Natural Resources
Distance: 9.5 miles one way
Elevation Gain: up to 2200
Contact: Pacific Cascade Region, Washington Department of Natural Resources
Detailed Information: Urban Trails Vancouver WA (Mountaineers Books)
Notes: Discover Pass required at all trailheads except for Moulton Falls Regional Park; trail is also open to equestrians and mountain bikers; dogs permitted on leash
Access: From Battle Ground for Moulton Falls Regional Park Trailhead: head north on SR 503 and drive north 5.6 miles turning right onto Rock Creek Road (which eventually becomes Lucia Falls Road). Continue east for 8.1 miles to park.
Good to Know: kid-friendly, snow-free winter hike, dog-friendly, trail running, car camping nearby
One of several excellent multi-use trails in the 90,000 acre Yacolt Burn State Forest, Bells Mountain rings out to be explored. Hike or run all or part of this nearly 9 mile trail through forest groves of varying ages along ridges protruding from Bells and Spotted Deer mountains. Admire tumbling creeks along the way and savor sweeping views of Silver Star Mountain and Mount St. Helens.
If you can arrange a car shuttle, the Bells Mountain Trail makes an excellent 9.5 mile one way hike or run. Otherwise, good shorter options can be made from the Moulton Falls trailhead or the Cold Creek Campground Trailhead. The section near Cold Creek accessed from the short Cedar Creek Trail is the best option for kid-friendly hiking.
Like the nearby Tarbell Trail, this trail traverses a working forest with active logging operations. The trail has consistently been rerouted in places. The trail is marked fairly well but it’s easy to go off course on old trail tread and decommissioned roads—so pay attention to signs and markers along the way. Sections of the trail are also periodically closed during logging operations, so check with the managing Washington Department of Natural Resources on the trail’s current status before heading out.
For a detailed description of the entire trail, pick up a copy of my Urban Trails Vancouver WA! Happy Trails!
For detailed descriptions (including maps) for this trail as well as others in Clark County, pick up a copy of my best selling Urban Trails Vancouver (Mountaineers Books).
Just hiked this trail for the first time a few days ago. Great time except for disrespectful dog owners who refuse to leash dogs. Met two whose dogs were out of their sight in front of them on the trail. Do not like coming on a barking dog with no owner in sight. Common reply…oh she won’t bite. Or, one said, she just scares people.