Bell’s Mountain Trail is one of my favorite hikes in the Yacolt Burn State Forest for taking people who have little to no hiking experience. The trail is open to foot, bike (non-motorized), and horse traffic, so you’ll see plenty of different types of people here. I have never seen a horse on Bell’s Mountain trail, but keep an eye out. Also watch out for the adventurous trail runner making the attempt upwards and the daredevil of a mountain biker coming down. Typically the regulars of this trail, and the surrounding ones, are super nice and welcoming.
The trail itself isn’t too difficult, you get most of the elevation gain out of the way within the first mile after the junction, with an average grade of 3.1%. Take it easy and slow, there is certainly no rush to get to the top. The views through the border of the Yacolt Burn State Forest are amazing.
Seasonal Information
The trail’s peak season is certainly in the summer. The lush green grass and trees fill lookout spots as flowers grow along the trail. The rain and clouds are typically a little calmer in the summer. All that said, pack extra food and water on hot days.
From late fall and onward, low-hanging clouds and fog begin to mask a few of the viewsheds. However, fungi and flora begin to replace where there where once wildflowers.
In late winter snow begins to cover the mountain. While the snow makes the trail moderately more difficult, it also makes the trail super beautiful. Also, I may be guilty of having dragged a friend or two up the mountain in the middle of winter.
Be prepared for partial connectivity throughout the entire hike. The region’s signature rain-filled and cloudy days certainly play a part here, and you aren’t likely to get a quick GPS acquisition at the base and cell coverage is reasonably spotty. Also pack extra food and water, especially in the summer heat.
Getting to the Trail
The Bell’s Mountain Trail is a junction along the East Fork Lewis River Trail, which is a short and well-maintained asphalt walkway, that connects, on one end, to the Moulton Falls Regional Park and, on the other, a typically empty parking lot.
Most people coming here take NE Lucia Falls Road, which leads to Moulton Falls, but if you choose to go this route be prepared for aggressive drivers that take corners too quickly and to yield to bikers. Although, if you choose the other route, the roads to the empty parking lot are pretty narrow, so just go slow and be cautious.
History & Interesting Facts
Bell’s Mountain is named for John Bell, who moved with his family from Iowa to the west side of Bell’s Mountain. John Bell built a bridge that passed over the Salmon Creek, which flows from the Yacolt Burn State Forest into Hockinson, WA and out into Vancouver, WA where it eventually reaches the Vancouver Lake, and other one in the Lacamas area.
Events & Popular Dates
I only know of two dates and events you should be aware of:
- Every year there is a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot along the East Fork Lewis River, I’m unsure of the exact route.
- New Years Day, people seem to make a New Year’s resolution to get outside and hike more so they usually seem to start with the 4 mile round trip East Fork Lewis River trail.
Map Data
Download the GPX file I created using Clark County’s GIS data for your watch or GPS unit.
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