The Bitterlick Trail is a fun hike for a hot summer day. The hiker must wade across the creek at least seven times during the length of the trail, and for this reason, this hike is not recommended for young children. In the early spring or late fall when there is high water, alternate methods must be used to ford the creek. Given the steepness of the trail, it is best to hike the trail south from Access #1 to Access #2 (see directions). Leave a second vehicle at Access #2.

Starting on Forest Service road #6640, the trail drops steeply for the first mile down to Bitterlick Creek. From there, the trail follows and crisscrosses Bitterlick Creek. Vegetation is lush along the creek. Old-growth Douglas-fir, sugar pine, and incense-cedar are found here along with dogwood, hazel, big-leaf maple, and vine maple.

Directions: From Prospect: ACCESS #1 : (Upper Trailhead) Travel south on Highway #62 for 19 miles to the Elk Creek road. Turn right and continue 14 miles to Forest Service road #66. Turn left and proceed for 4 miles to the end of the pavement. Continue on road #6640 for another 4 miles to the trailhead, located on the left.ACCESS #2 : (Lower Trailhead) Travel south on Highway #62 for 19 miles to the Elk Creek road. Turn right and continue 13 miles to the junction with Forest Service road #6620. Turn left, and go 1.5 miles to the junction with road # 6620-050. This road is not recommended for passenger cars. Park at the junction and hike to the trailhead

Seasonal Access: Normally Accessible: March-November

Facility Type: Trail