Category: High Cascades

Yoran Lake – 09/05/2026

September began with some much-needed precipitation including snow at higher elevations. Checking the forecast for a hike to start the Labor Day weekend revealed that the Willamette Pass area was expected to be partly sunny Saturday morning before a chance of showers and thunderstorms developed later in the day. I narrowed it down to two loops, one in the northern end of the Waldo Lake Wilderness the other in the northern end of the Diamond Peak Wilderness. Both loops would have us visiting multiple lakes however the northern end of the Waldo Lake Wilderness has been through two large fires in the past 30 years while the northern end of the Diamond Peak Wilderness has not endured a large fire. There would be more views hiking through the fire scars, but we weren’t sure if the partly sunny forecast meant that the Cascade Peaks would be visible, so we opted for the Diamond Peak Wilderness.

The loop we’d chosen was Midnight and Yoran Lake, a hike we’d done back in 2014 post. We also hiked half of the loop on our longer loop around Diamond Peak (post). For both of those outings we’d parked at the Trapper Creek Trailhead. To mix things up a bit (and cut 1.4-miles from the total distance) we decided to begin the loop from the Pengra Pass Trailhead located near the Pacific Crest Trail.

The next decision to make was which direction to hike the loop in. We chose clockwise for two reasons. The first being that we would be starting out on a short downhill which would allow us to warm up a bit versus starting with a climb. The second reason was that the longest stretch without passing near a lake at almost 4-miles and we prefer getting the less exciting stretches done first. Speaking of less exciting the first 0.2-miles followed a gravel road before reaching the Whitefish Creek Trail.

The Whitefish Creek Trail coming up from the left. The trail briefly followed the road before heading uphill.

The Whitefish Creek Trail leaving the road.

The Whitefish Creek Trail immediately entered the Diamond Peak Wilderness and gradually climbed for 0.7-miles to a junction with the Yoran Lake Trail.

Footbridge over Whitefish Creek. There was a very small amount of water flowing down the creek.

The Yoran Lake Trail junction.

We turned right onto the Yoran Lake Trail and climbed steadily for 2.8-miles to the first (unnamed) lake.

The Yoran Lake Trail was well maintained with no trees down across the trail.

Coral fungus

Blue sky above.

Despite the recent precipitation the creek beds were mostly dry.

The snowy top of Diamond Peak was visible over the trees.

Diamond Peak with fresh snow.

The unnamed lake.

We continued past the unnamed lake and in just over a mile came to a familiar unsigned junction next to a dry creekbed.

The trail crosses the dry creek bed a half mile from the unnamed lake.

The unsigned junction.

The trail to the right was a user created trail until 2019 when the Forest Service officially decided to connect the Pacific Crest Trail near Lils Lake with the Yoran Lake Trail. Before continuing on the Yoran Lake Trail we veered left and climbed steeply up the hillside to Karen Lake.

We’d camped at this lake on the final night of our loop around the mountain. We took a break along the lake shore near where we’d camped before and waited to see if Diamond Peak, which was now partly shrouded by a cloud, would make a full appearance.

We spent half an hour at the lake watching the clouds tease a reveal only to have more arrive.

So close.

After 30-minutes we were starting to get cold from not moving around so we continued on our loop hoping that maybe things would clear up when we reached Yoran Lake which was less than a quarter mile away.

The trail forks near Yoran Lake. The lefthand fork leads to some campsites while the righthand fork is the official trail. We went right and soon had a view across the lake to Diamond Peak.

Mount Yoran behind the trees to the left.

The trail climbs above the lake on a rocky shelf where we again stopped to give the clouds some time to move on. It took about 15-minutes for that to happen, and we finally had a view of the full mountain.

Mount Yoran was not dealing with clouds.

Finally, a full view.

After getting the view we’d been hoping for we continued on. The trail passed several more viewpoints above Yoran Lake before passing through the forest and arriving at Lils Lake.

Island in Yoran Lake.

Pond between Yoran Lake and Lils Lake.

Lils Lake

We followed the trail past Lils Lake to its end at the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

Signpost at the junction.

We turned right onto the PCT and started a stretch of trail that passed a number of named and unnamed bodies of water.

Diamond Peak and Lils Lake from the PCT.

The PCT passing a pond.

Maiden Peak (post) beyond the trees.

Another small pond.

The first named lake was Hidden Lake which was just off a spur trail to the right, 0.6-miles from the PCT junction.

Hidden Lake

After visiting Hidden Lake we continued on the PCT passed several more unnamed bodies of water before arriving at Arrowhead Lake a mile from Hidden Lake.

Unnamed lake

One of several ponds.

Stellar’s jay

Junction with the Deer Creek Trail.

Arrowhead Lake

Buffleheads on Arrowhead Lake.

From Arrowhead Lake it was 1.4 more downhill miles to a signed spur trail for Midnight Lake, the last of the named lakes.

Foamflower, one of the few blooming flowers remaining.

Midnight Lake sign on the spur trail.

Midnight Lake

After a short break at Midnight Lake we continued our loop. It was 0.2-miles from the lake to a junction with the Midnight Lake Trail and then another 0.9-miles to the Pengra Pass Trailhead.

The Midnight Lake Trail on the left.

Another unnamed lake at the trail junction.

I was just a bit too slow to get a picture of this belted kingfisher before it took flight.

Rhododendron along the PCT.

Ski runs at the Willmaette Pass Ski Are on the far hillside.

Fuji Mountain (post)

Leaving the wilderness area near Pengra Pass.

Wilderness permit kiosk at Pengra Pass.

The trail dropping down to the trailhead.

This loop came in at 10.8-miles with approximately 1300′ of elevation gain.

This is a nice loop with a variety of lakes and few good mountain views (when the clouds cooperate). We were a little surprised to have only run into 9 other hikers all day. The trails were also in excellent shape with only a couple of small logs to step over. The fresh snow on Diamond Peak was a nice bonus and a good reminder that Fall is on the way. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Yoran and Midnight Lakes

Tags Arrowhead lake, cascade mountains, Diamond Peak, Diamond Peak Wilderness, hidden lake, hiking, Karen Lake, Lils Lake, Midnight Lake, Mount Yoran, Oregon, Pacific Crest Trail, PCT, Whitefish Creek Trail, Yoran Lake, Yoran Lake Trail

High Cascades Hiking Mt. Washington Area Oregon Three Sisters Area Trip report

Black Crater – 08/29/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date September 1, 2026
No Comments on Black Crater – 08/29/2026

When we were working on our goal of hiking William L. Sullivan’s featured hikes (post) we had a few outings where we didn’t get a view from a viewpoint or summit due to the weather. Now that we’ve completed that goal we are revisiting some of those hikes in an attempt to get those views. One such hike was a 2016 outing to Black Crater in the Three Sisters Wilderness. We had tried several times in the past couple of months to re-hike this trail but either smoke from wildfires or possibly thunderstorms had stymied us. A mostly sunny forecast coupled with a high of just 49 degrees (Fahrenheit) meant it was finally time for a second visit.

Before tackling the climb up Black Crater we thought it would be a good idea to warm up with a short hike at nearby Dee Wright Observatory and the Lava River Trail.

While the plan was to “warm up” it was anything but warm as the cool morning air combined with a stiff breeze. We took advantage of the restrooms then visited the observatory where on a clearer day we would have had views of numerous Cascade peaks. Today however, despite the presence of some blue sky, nearly all of the peaks were hidden.

Black Crater, which is straight ahead, was one of the peaks covered by a cloud. We hoped that the mostly sunny forecast was still in the cards.

Mt. Jefferson through a break in the clouds.

Interpretive signs near the observatory.

Black Butte (post) to the right with Green Ridge (post) behind it.

Viewing holes are located around the observatory to help identify the peaks.

There is also a mountain finder atop the observatory.

List of what we could have been looking at.

After visiting the observatory, we walked to the east where the interpretive Lava River Trail leads into the Yapoah lava flow.

While we had visited the observatory before this was our first time hiking this short loop. The interpretive signs were very informative which more than made up for the lack of mountain views.

Little Belknap Crater (post).

Mt. Jefferson making another brief appearance.

There was no chance of spotting the Three Sisters.

Black Crater was still looking awfully cloudy.

The Dee Wright Observatory on the left.

As we concluded the hike it looked like the clouds might be breaking up over Black Crater.

After a rather chilly warm up hike we drove to the Black Crater Trailhead.

On top of not getting a view from the summit on that visit the 2017 lightning caused Milli Fire burned over the majority of the trail.
Forest at the trailhead before the Milli Fire.

The sign at the trailhead states the summit is 4 miles away however it is really 3.6-miles. Either way the trail gains approximately 2300′.

The trail enters the Three Sisters Wilderness a short distance from the trailhead. In fact the wilderness sign is visible from the trailhead and as I was zooming in for a photo I realized there was a doe next to it.

The hike is about as straight forward as one can be. There are no trail junctions, no creek or river crossings, and no faint sections of trail. The climb is steady but rarely feels steep. There are plenty of views due to the Millie Fire but today the clouds were limiting those.

Mt. Washington hidden by a cloud.

Black Butte

Lupine

Cascade aster

Another aster, not sure which one.

Cloud hovering over Little Belknap and Belknap Craters.

The trail is well maintained.

Looking up toward the summit.

Rabbitbrush goldenweed
Junco

Yarrow

Bleeding heart and northwestern rabbit-tabacco

The fire spared the trees closer to the summit.

Beardtongue

One-sided wintergreen

Black Butte managed to stay out of the clouds for most of the morning.

Golden-mantled ground squirrel

Clouds passing by.

Cable for the former fire lookout.

The final stretch to the summit. There was a cloud passing over when I arrived and I wondered if there would be any views.

It was windy at the summit, but I took a seat on the rocks above the former lookout site hoping for the clouds to pass.

View to the NE into Central Oregon.

The summit of North Sister.

Scott Mountain in the center which we climbed a few weeks ago (post).

I had a snack while I waited but the clouds seemed to be getting worse and it was cold in the wind, so I decided to start back down.

Looking toward Broken Top and the North Sister.

Heading down from the summit.

I detoured to the western end of the summit where another rock outcrop sits.

Little Belknap and Belknap Craters beyond the rock outcrop.

It only took a minute or two to reach the other outcrop, but by the time I had the clouds had begun to finally open up.

Broken Top with Mt. Bachelor (post) behind to the right.

The summit from the second outcrop.

The Three Sisters. The summit of Middle Sister is just visible to the right of North Sister.

The west side of the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Collier Cone (post) below the North and Middle Sisters.

The Husband with Yapoah Crater (post) at the lower left of the frame.

I stuck around for a while as the clouds continued passing by, but when I started losing the view again I headed back.

Dwarf alpinegold

The clouds coming in from the right were quite a bit darker than any had been so far.

Alpine mountain buckwheat

Mountain bluebird

Pussypaw

Fireweed and northwestern rabbit-tobacco.

It felt like it could start raining at any moment.

Beetle

Back at the trailhead.

The hike up Black Crater was 7.2-miles and we did about a mile at Dee Wright Observatory. Cumulative elevation gain was close to 2500′.

The two hikes for the day.

While it wasn’t quite a clear as we had hoped the views were vastly better than they had been on our first visit.

Dee Wright Observatory is a must stop if you are driving the McKenzie Highway and the Lava River Trail would be a great place to bring out of state visitors. The Black Crater hike is also a great hike providing a good workout and excellent views when the conditions are right. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Black Crater

Tags Black Crater, Black Crater Trail, Black Crater Trailhead, Dee Wright Observatory, hiking, Lava River Trail, McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Pass, Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness

High Cascades Hiking Oregon Trip report Waldo Lake Area

Bobby Lake – 08/22/2026

Due to the number of wildfires and corresponding smoke this summer we have been waiting until the day or two before a hike to decide where we will be going. A favorable forecast for the Cascade Crest led us back to the mountains. Our destination for the day was Bobby Lake, located two and a quarter miles east of the Waldo Lake Road (Forest Road 5897).

A 4.5-mile hike isn’t quite long enough to warrant a 2:30 drive to the trailhead so I had come up with a loop incorporating several trails in the area including the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) which passes within a quarter mile of Bobby Lake.

We’d visited Bobby Lake in 2019 after hiking up The Twins (post). We’d started that hike from the Twin Peak Trailhead. For today’s hike we had planned to start at the Bobby Lake Trailhead however there didn’t appear to be any open spaces so we parked across the road at the Betty Lake Trailhead (Betty Lake 2024 ).

The Bobby Lake Trailhead across Waldo Lake Road from the Betty Lake Trailhead.

Trailhead ambassador (Canada jay).

We crossed the road and picked up the Bobby Lake Trail.

We followed this trail for 0.4-miles to a 4-way junction with the Gold Lake Trail.

Coming up on the junction.

From the 4-way junction loops are possible in either direction. On our previous visit to the lake we’d headed north on the Gold Lake Trail to return to the Twin Peak Trailhead. Today’s loop would be incorporating the southern portion of the Gold Lake Trail. We had decided to save the visit to Bobby Lake for later in the day, so we turned right onto the Gold Lake Trail and followed it downhill 1.7 forested miles to a junction with the Mount Ray Trail.

Aster

Sickletop lousewort

Trail sign ahead on the right for the Mount Ray Trail.

Up to this point the hike had been on new trail for us with the exception of the Bobby Lake/Gold Lake Trail junction. In 2025 I had been to this junction during my Mount Ray/Island Lakes loop (post) so the next 1.7-miles were new only to Heather. This section of the Gold Lake Trail crosses Ray Creek then passes along Gold Lake Bog and Gold Lake before reaching a junction with the Fuji Mountain Trail.

Entering the Gold Lake Bog Natural Research Area.

Ray Creek

Aster

Mushroom

Fireweed

Monkshood

Skunk cabbage

Gold Lake Bog from the trail.

The northern end of Gold Lake through the trees.

The only blooming lupine we spotted.

Bunchberry

The Fuji Mountain Trail junction.

It was 0.2-miles from the Fuji Mountain Trail junction to the end of the Gold Lake Trail at Gold Lake Campground.

We’d been here in 2024 when we visited the Gold Lake Shelter and Marilyn Lakes (post).

We walked up Gold Lake Road (FR 500) for 0.6-miles to the Maiden Peak Trailhead.

Crossing Salt Creek, the outlet of Gold Lake.

Looking toward Gold Lake from the bridge.

Salt Creek

Gold Lake Shelter

Leaving the campground.

The Maiden Peak Trailhead. There was room for a small number of cars on the opposite side of the road.

We turned up the Maiden Peak Trail and followed it uphill a total of 2.4-miles to the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail gained a total of 650′ and was mostly well graded. It did steepen over the last quarter of a mile where it gained 200 of the 650′.

Like most of the trails in this area it passed through a mature forest which limited views.

Fuji Mountain to the left and Mount Ray to the right through the trees.

The Merlin app says Hammond’s flycatcher.

Skyline Creek

Just beyond Skyline Creek we passed a junction with the Skyline Trail.

Signs at the Skyline Trail junction. The area is a popular area for cross-country skiing.

Chipmunk

Canada jay

The Pacific Crest Trail junction.

The PCT junction was another junction that we’d been to before. In 2016 we had come down the Maiden Peak Trail to the junction after summiting Maiden Peak and turned south onto the PCT (post). Today, after a short break to recover from the final steep climb, we turned north. It was 2.3 gradual downhill miles to the Bobby Lake Trail. Again, the trail passed through a lovely forest which provided a peaceful hike but no views to speak of.

This snake was the only other trail user we passed on the PCT.

This may have been the chillest snake we’ve come across. It never moved as we passed around it.

The Bobby Lake Trail junction.

We turned right onto the Bobby Lake Trail and followed it a quarter of a mile to the lake.

There is a large rock outcropping on the lake shore approximately 0.2-miles to the south of where the trail arrives at the lake while the Moore Creek Trail continues east along the northern end of the lake. Our previous visit had been in September, and we’d had the rock outcrop to ourselves. Today there were already several people on the outcrop, so we took the Moore Creek Trail and found a different spot for a break.

Maiden Peak and the rock outcrop from our break spot.

Maiden Peak. The rock outcrops on this peak make it one of the more identifiable peaks in the Cascades.

Damsel fly

After a good break we headed back to the Bobby Lake Trail and followed it 2.25-miles back to the Betty and Bobby Lakes trailheads. The 1.6-mile section between the PCT junction and the Gold Lake Trail junction seemed to be a continuous up and down.

This loop came in at 12.5-miles with approximately 1300′ of elevation gain.

This was an enjoyable loop despite the lack of any big views. It provided quite a bit of solitude and a lot of nice, unburned forest. Bobby Lake was obviously the highlight and is said to be one of the best swimming lakes in the Cascades.

There are no restrooms at either the Betty or Bobby Lake Trailheads, so we made a quick stop at Salt Creek Falls (post) on the way back to Eugene to use the facilities there and to give Heather a chance to see the falls since she wasn’t with me earlier this year when I’d visited.

Happy Trails!

Flickr: Bobby Lake

Tags Bobby Lake, Fuji Mountain Trail, Gold Lake Bog, Gold Lake Shelter, Gold Lake Trail, hiking, Maiden Peak Trail, Mount Ray Trail, Oregon, Pacific Crest Trail, Skyline Creek, Skyline Trail, Trail

High Cascades Hiking Mt. Washington Area Oregon Trip report

Hand Lake – 08/01/2026

When we were working on our quest to complete at least a portion of all 100 featured hikes in William L. Sullivan’s “100 Hikes/Travel Guide Central Oregon Cascades” (post) there were several hikes that for one reason or another we did not hike the entire route described in the book. One of those hikes was Hand Lake.

Sullivan’s entry for Hand Lake is a 2.6-mile lollipop loop starting from the Hand Lake Trailhead along Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass). The highlights of the hike are the Hand Lake Shelter at the 0.5-mile mark, a short crossing of a lava field on a portion of the old McKenzie Wagon Road, and Hand Lake. The route of this hike shares a portion of another featured hiked, Benson Lake (the 9.7-mile loop option). When we did that hike we saw the wagon road, the lake and visited the shelter, so we counted that as enough to check off the hike. Today we planned on hiking the remaining portion of the hike and revisiting the sights along the Benson Lake Loop.

The trailhead is a pullout along the east side of the highway across from a hiker symbol.

Interpretive sign at the trailhead about bees.

Yarrow

The trail itself begins just to the NW on the opposite side of the highway.

Wilderness registration box, Central Cascade Wilderness Permit information, and a map.

From the signboard the Hand Lake Cutoff Trail leads into the Mt. Washington Wilderness, and the exits the wilderness, before arriving at the Hand Lake Shelter at the half mile mark.

Entering the wilderness area.

Sickletop lousewort

Goldenrod

Leaving the wilderness area.

Meadow just before the shelter.

Alpine gentians. We planned on checking in on these on our way out knowing that they would be open once sunlight hit them.

The Hand Lake Shelter

At the shelter we had to decide which direction we wanted to hike the loop. In this case we considered the steepness of the trails, what time we thought it would be best to visit the summit of Scott Mountain, and how difficult finding the old Santiam Wagon Road would be. For this loop we knew going clockwise would be less steep and we were familiar with the location of the old Santiam Wagon Road junction with the Hand Lake Trail. It was also the longer route to the summit of Scott Mountain which would allow more time for the sun to move higher overhead creating a better view of the Cascade Mountains to the east. Clockwise it was. We took stock of the trail heading into the meadow at the shelter that would be our return route and continued on the Hand Lake Cutoff Trail to the Hand Lake Trail.

Our return route.

Wildflower near the Hand Lake Trail junction.

Aster

At the junction we turned left onto the Hand Lake Trail and followed it 1.5-miles to the Benson/Tenas Trailhead passing Scott Lake along the way.

Prince’s pine

Lupine

We had to be on the lookout for these little guys most of the day.

Hardhack

The northern end of Scott Lake.

North Sister from Scott Lake.

False hellebore

The Benson/Tenas Trailhead.

Just before the gate we turned right onto the Benson Lake Trail.

The Benson Lake Trail. The post was missing a sign.

The Benson Lake Trail climbs gradually for 1.3-miles to Benson Lake which sits just inside the Mt. Washington Wilderness.

Grouse whortleberry (Vaccinium scoparium) is a variety of huckleberry. The plant has small berries that are some of my favorites.

Pinesap unfurling.

Pinesap further along.

Pinedrops along the trail.

Pinedrops

Beardtongue

The trail entering the Mt. Washington Wilderness.

Benson Lake

Pond near Benson Lake.

I turned down this signed user trail to visit the lakeshore.

The best view from the lake is actually atop the rocks to the right across the lake. We visited that spot when we hiked around the lake on a backpacking trip in 2016 (post).

After visiting Benson Lake, we continued on the loop. The trail continued to gradually climb reaching a junction with the Tenas Lake Trail in just under a mile.

Fireweed

Red-breasted nuthatch making its way down a tree.

Blueberries

We detoured a tenth of a mile down the Tenas Lakes Trail to visit the first, and largest, of the Tenas Lakes.

We returned to the Benson Lake Trail and in another 0.2-miles arrived at the Scott Mountain Trail junction.

Scott Mountain from an unnamed lake/pond.

We stayed right at the junction and followed the Scott Mountain Trail 0.8-miles uphill to yet another junction. This time with the Scotty Way Trail.

Moth

Paintbrush

At this junction we faced a choice, stay on the Scott Mountain Trail and climb 0.6-miles to the summit or stick to the loop and turn right onto the Scotty Way Trail. The skies were too clear to pass up the view atop Scott Mountain, so we began the 320′ climb to the summit.

Arrowleaf groundsel

Subalpine mariposa lily

Thistle

Approaching the summit meadows.

The Three Sisters and The Husband.

Black Crater (post) straight ahead. To the left through the trees is Belknap Crater (post).

Mt. Jefferson with a cloud in front then Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington and Belknap Crater.

Diamond Peak (post) to the south from the summit.

In front of Diamond Peak from left to right are Mt. Ray (post), Fuji Mountain (post), and Waldo Mountain (post).

A tiny glimpse of Mt. Hood above the ridge to the left of Mt. Jefferson (still mostly hidden). Three Fingered Jack with Hoodo (rounded) and Hayrick (flat top) Buttes in front.

Proxy Point in between North and Middle Sister with Little Bother in front of North Sister.

Mt. Washington

Fritillary

Benson Lake from Scott Mountain.

After a nice break at the summit, we headed back down to the Scotty Way Trail. I detoured briefly on the way down to explore the crater area and found another nice view of the Three Sisters.

Small crater near the summit of Scott Mountain.

Orange agoseris

View west of the McKenzie River Valley.

Back on the Scott Mountain Trail.

California tortoiseshell

Mt. Jefferson almost came out as we were descending the Scott Mountain Trail.

On the Scotty Way Trail.

The Scotty Way Trail is steeper than either of the Benson or Scott Mountain Trails and in the next 1.7-miles we lost 720′ of elevation before arriving at the Hand Lake Trail.

Entering the 2010 Scott Mountain Fire scar.

Mt. Washington and Belknap Crater.

Fireweed and pearly everlasting.

Felt-leaf everlasting

The Three Sisters

Coming up to the Hand Lake Trail.

Members of the Scorpions Trail Crew worked on the tread here as well as clearing a few logs between the junction and the Hand Lake Trailhead on 7/30.

We turned right onto the Hand Lake Trail and continued descending.

The trail neared the lava flow which we would eventually be crossing on the old McKenzie Wagon Road.

It was approximately 1.2-miles from the Scotty Way Trail junction to the wagon road which is not signed nor was it currently marked by anything.

The unnaturally flat(ish) surface of the wagon road gives it away.

We turned left onto the old Wagon Road.

It wasn’t the easiest walking, but luckily it was only a tenth of a mile across the lava flow.

The Three Sisters and The Husband from the wagon road.

The end of the lava crossing.

At the far end of the wagon road we turned right along the lava flow.

While not an official trail there was a faint path, however there were also a number of downed trees.

At the end of the lava flow is the lakebed for Hand Lake. The lake’s water level drops each Summer and with the dry year we’ve had there wasn’t a lot of water left in the lake.

Butterfly on pusspaws.

Lupine

We picked up the trail we’d seen that morning in a rocky area and followed it to the shelter.

We stopped to check on the gentians before following the Hand Lake Cutoff Trail back to the trailhead.

My GPS showed 12-miles for the hike although two tenths of that was exploration on Scott Mountain. Total elevation gain was approximately 1400′.

This was a fun hike allowing us to finish Sullivan’s hike in its entirety and also revisit some places we’ve enjoyed in the past. Today’s view from Scott Mountain was also the best one we’d had in our three summits. We did get some sad hiking news later when it was confirmed that the Flag Point Lookout (post) in the Mt. Hood National Forest had been lost to the Grasshopper Fire. This was a sad loss and a reminder to us of why we have been so focused on visiting as many different trails and places as possible before they are lost.

Hopefully there is some relief in the fires soon, but until then stay safe and happy trails!

Flickr: Hand Lake

Tags Benson Lake, Benson Lake Trail, Benson/Tenas Trailhead, Hand Lake, Hand Lake Shelter, Hand Lake Trail, Hand Lake Trailhead, hiking, Mt. Washington Wilderness, Old McKenzie Wagon Road, Oregon, Scott Lake, Scott Mountain, Scott Mountain Trail, Scotty Way Trail, Tenas Lakes, Tenas Lakes Trail

High Cascades Hiking Mt. Hood Area Oregon Trip report

Elk Cove – 07/25/2026

Heather was able to join me for the final hike of my vacation which we’d decided would be the Elk Cove Trail on Mt. Hood. Located on the north side of the mountain the Elk Cove Trailhead was the only trailhead providing access to Mt. Hood’s Timberline Trail that we had not yet been to. Most of the others we’d used as trailheads while a couple we’d hiked through as part of a loop.

Be aware that high clearance vehicles are currently recommended to access this trailhead and Laurence Lake due to the access road having been washed out by the Eliot Branch. Our Outback had no issues. We made the two-and-a-half-hour drive from Salem arriving shortly after 7am and set off on the trail.

The trail begins by crossing Pinnacle Creek.

Pinnacle Creek

For the first 1.25-miles the trail follows an old roadbed to the former trailhead. The trail also passes through the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire scar for its entire length.

Black cap raspberries

Signs of the 2011 fire.

Scouler’s bluebells

First view of Mt. Hood. One result of losing nearly all the trees in the fire is the trail now offers numerous excellent views of the mountain.

Woodland beardtongue

The location of the former trailhead. Here the trail leaves the old roadbed a switchbacks up to gain the ridge.

Trail sign announcing Elk Cove is just 3.9-miles away.

On the lower portion of the ridge some of the trees avoided crowning and survived the fire.

Mt. Adams was also visible to the north.

Mt. Adams

Mt. Hood from the ridge.

The trail followed the ridge which provides no cover from the sun, but the views are spectacular.

Fireweed

Mt. Adams again.

Probably Cascade aster.

Lupine along the trail.

To the right is the namesake pinnacle of Pinnacle Ridge. We hiked that ridge to Elk Cove in 2014 (post), but recent reports indicate that it is in rough shape and in need of maintenance.

Owl Point (post) to the NW.

There are two saddles along the ridge which provide some downhill on the way up to Elk Cove which also means uphill on the way back down to the trailhead.

Yarrow

Bird on a snag with the Coe Glacier behind.

The ridge to the right across the Hood River Valley is Surveyors Ridge (post) with Bald Butte (post) the hump toward the left end.

Both Compass Creek and the Coe Branch flow down the valley to the left (east) of the ridge. Straight ahead about 3/4 up this photo is Cannon Ball Falls, a.k.a. Lower Compass Creek Falls.

Blurry attempt at zooming in on the falls in the afternoon.

Starting down the second saddle.

Mountain bluebird

The Coe Glacier on Mt. Hood.

Once we had successfully climbed out of the second saddle we stopped for a short break where we were visited by an inquisitive hummingbird.

Beyond the second saddle the ridge widened and flattened considerably, and the number of blooming wildflowers also increased considerably.

Barrett Spur (post)

There was also more blowdown on the upper portion of the trail but nothing that was too difficult to navigate.

The fireweed was in full bloom higher up.

More aster

False hellebore

Pearly everlasting and fireweed

Goldenrod

Just over 4-miles from the trailhead the trail crosses Cove Creek, the first water source along the trail since the Pinnacle Creek crossing at the trailhead.

These logs provided a dry crossing.

Lewis’ monkeyflower. We stopped here on the way down and Heather topped off her water.

Monkeyflower

Paintbrush

After a short break at the creek we continued on.

The trail up from the creek.

Orange agoseris

Dark-eyed junco

One-sided wintergreen with a dwarf bramble blossom behind.

Robin

Valerian

The trail soon entered a dry gully that was at one time a creek bed and followed it for a bit before climbing out and entering meadows shortly before arriving at the Timberline Trail.

Purple sanicle

Campsites at the edge of the meadow.

Sub-alpine fleabane

Sign ahead at the junction of the Timberline and Elk Cove trails.

We headed right on the Timberline Trail to Cove Creek where Heather was going to take a break. I decided to continue up the Timberline Trail from Elk Cove to visit a talus field where I hoped to spot a pika (or two). Even if I didn’t see a pika I knew from previous trips that there was yet another good view of the mountain from the trail as it descended into Elk Cove.

The Timberline Trail crossing at Cove Creek.

Monkeyflower and a couple of lupine

Mt. Hood from the crossing.

There was a lot of aster blooming in Elk Cove.

Western pasque flower seedhead.

Bistort

Monkeyflower lining Cove Creek.

As I approached the talus slope I could hear multiple pikas.

I was able to spot one of the little guys.

Surveyors Ridge from the talus slope.

Waterfalls on the mountain.

Barrett Spur in front of Mt. Hood.

I continued a little further up the Timberline Trail to visit a wildflower filled hillside before returning to Elk Cove.

After meeting back up with Heather and showing her to the monkeyflower lined section of Cove Creek we returned to the Elk Cove Trail junction, but continued a little further on the Timberline Trail for another view of the mountain.

A spur trail next to a no camping sign leads to this view from Elk Cove.

Flowers along the spur trail.

We finally decided it was time to head back so we returned to the Elk Cove Trail and started down.

It was a fairly uneventful but pleasant descent. We had passed by backpacker on her way out during our climb up to Elk Cove and passed 9 or 10 hikers on their way up the trail on our way back. Those are pretty small numbers for a weekend. We did see a number of people while at Elk Cove, but the north side of the mountain is much less crowded than other areas around the mountain.

Sickletop lousewort

Checkerspot on pearly everlasting

Felt-leaved pearly everlasting

A cinquefoil

Penstemon

Golden chinquapin

A duskywing

A sulphur

Laurence Lake from the trail before descending to the old trailhead.

Laurence Lake

Back on the old roadbed.

Ripe thimbleberries!

Back at the trailhead.

My exploring brought this hike for me to 11.1-miles with approximately 2500′ of elevation gain making it the most milage I’d done since January and the most elevation gained since December 2025. While I’m not back to 100% it seems, I’m heading the right direction.

This was one of our favorite approaches to the Timberline Trail. The combination of big views and fewer people was a big plus. The lack of shade on the ridge would make it less appealing on a hot day though. Whatever route you take Elk Cove is a worthwhile goal. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Elk Cove

Tags Barrett Spur, Cove Creek, Elk Cove, Elk Cove Trail, Elk Cove Trailhead, hiking, Mt. Hood, Mt. Hood Wilderness, Oregon, timberline trail, wildflowers

Diamond Peak Area High Cascades Hiking Oregon Trip report

Salt Creek Falls to Vivian Lake – 07/23/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date July 27, 2026
1 Comment on Salt Creek Falls to Vivian Lake – 07/23/2026

For the third time during the week the forecast for a planned hike in the Cascades showed clear skies when I went to bed but then it showed areas of patchy smoke when I rechecked in the morning. The first two times I pivoted to a hike on the Oregon Coast but on Thursday I decided to risk the “areas of smoke” before 11am forecast for Salt Creek Falls and Vivian Lake. The smokey conditions are the result of numerous lightning caused wildfires. Over 2000 strikes were recorded in Oregon on 7/15/26 and another reported 8357 ground strikes occurred on 7/22/26. The staggering number of strikes combined with extremely dry conditions led to some large fast-growing fires in Central and Eastern, Oregon. At least two of my high school classmates have had to evacuate due to the Akawa Butte Fire north of Sisters.

The area around the Diamond Peak Area had thus far avoided any large fires and the handful of small starts had all been quickly contained which is why I had looked at revisiting our 2013 hike from Salt Creek Falls to Vivian Lake (post). I arrived at the Salt Creek Falls Day Use Area just before 6am and was happy to find that there was no smell of smoke in the air.

I started by heading for Salt Creek Falls where there is ongoing construction at the main overlook. (A sign noted that the area is closed when construction is happening and other access routes need to be used, but there was no construction happening yet today.)

Beyond the construction there is a viewpoint of the falls and the start of the Salt Creek Falls Trail.

While we’d been to this waterfall twice before we had never gone down the trail.

The trail descends steeply losing approximately 200′ of elevation to a railed viewpoint of the 286′ waterfall.

Salt Creek Falls is an impressive waterfall, and the basalt cliffs add to the visual appeal.

I trudged back up from the lower viewpoint and followed the paved path along the cliff to the top of the falls.

From the top of the falls I stayed right at junctions and crossed Salt Creek on a footbridge where a sign announced the Diamond Creek Falls Trail.

Salt Creek

On the far side of Salt Creek, and after crossing another small footbridge, the trail split.

The split is the start of the Diamond Creek Falls Loop.

The trail to the right provides the shortest distance to Diamond Creek Falls and also offers access to Too Much Bear Lake so that is the direction I headed.

Warning sign at the start of the loop.

After a brief climb I came to the first cliff edge viewpoint.

I then detoured down a use trail to visit Too Much Bear Lake.

The first use trail didn’t provide much a view of the lake.

One of two great blue herons that I did see from the first use trail.

Back up on the trail along the basalt cliffs.

I detoured again down to Too Much Bear Lake on a better use trail that did bring me to the edge of the lake.

After my second foray down to the lake, I continued on the loop.

There were several short spurs that led to viewpoints on the right.

This spur led to an obstructed view of Lower Diamond Creek Falls, which according to the NW Waterfall Survey, has a height of 180′ over 4 drops.

Lower Diamond Creek Falls from the viewpoint.

Zoomed in on the waterfall.

Continuing on the loop the trail passes near the top of Lower Diamond Creek Falls.

The trail continues a gradual climb to a junction 1.3-miles from the start of the loop. The trail to the right is signed “Lower Diamond Creek Falls” however this is an error, and the spur trail actually descends to Diamond Creek Falls.

I turned down the spur trail and descended to a footbridge over Diamond Creek.

Musk monkeyflower

Shortly after crossing the bridge the trail brings you to 134′ Diamond Creek Falls, in my opinion one of Oregon’s prettiest.

The setting adds to the beauty.

In 2013 we had visited on July 4th and were hounded by mosquitos, but today the waterfall was mosquito free, so I was able to enjoy the waterfall and explore as I liked.

Yellow willowherb

I’m assuming this is an arnica of somesort.

After spending some time at the waterfall I returned back up to the loop and continued on to an overlook of the waterfall.

Sickletop lousewort near the overlook.

Just beyond the overlook the trail split again at an unsigned junction. The loop continued to the left while the Vivian Lake Trail headed uphill to the right.

I headed right and began the 2.2-mile climb to Vivian Lake. For the first 0.3-miles the trail crossed some swales, Diamond Creek using a road bridge, and climbed to a railroad crossing.

Prince’s pine

Bugbane

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Columbine

Approaching the road.

Fireweed

Diamond Creek

The trail continuing on the other side of the bridge.

Gnome plant was prevalent in the forest.

More swales

The railroad tracks.

No trains today but the tracks are in use.

On the far side of the tracks there are two trails, an obvious old roadbed and a narrower trail to the roadbeds right. They will both get you to the same place, but the narrower trail is the official Vivian Lake Trail (it’s also shorter) and the one I took.

A quarter mile beyond the railroad tracks the trail comes to a wilderness registration box at the edge of the Diamond Peak Wilderness.

While I was filling out the self-issued permit I felt a bite near my right elbow and looked down to see three mosquitos there. There was another on my left arm and none of them had reservations so I dispatched of them and quickly continued on. After 75 yards I realized I no longer had hiking poles so I had to turn around and go back to the kiosk to retrieve them. After gathering my poles I again headed toward Vivian Lake.

Twinflower

Lupine

Sugar sticks

Mushrooms

Hedgenettle

One-sided wintergreen

The trail climbed steeply at times passing a very obscured view of Middle Fall Creek Falls.

You can hear the waterfall much better than you can see it.

There is a much better view of Fall Creek Falls 1.3-miles from the Diamond Creek Falls Loop.

Spur to the viewpoint above Fall Creek Falls.

Fall Creek Falls

Beyond Fall Creek Falls the trail leveled a bit as it traveled above Fall Creek before steepening again prior to reaching a signed junction near Vivian Lake.

Rosy spirea

Clasping arnica

Approaching the signed junction. The trail to the right leads to the lake while the Vivian Lake Trail continues to the left to Notch Lake and eventually the Vivian Lake Trailhead (post).

I followed the trail to Vivian Lake and made my way to some campsites where I took a break on the lakeshore.

There were a few mosquitos in this area, but they were absent from the lakeshore.

Frog in the grass.

My break spot.

My only company at the lake were a few ducks who kept their distance.

Aside from an occasional faint smell of smoke and some haze depending on the direction I was looking the fires weren’t an issue.

Just as I was about to leave the clouds began to break up and I decided to make my way around the lake a bit to try and get a view of the top of Mt. Yoran.

Mt. Yoran

After getting my view of Mt. Yoran I made my way back to the Vivian Lake Trail, stopping often to admire the scene at the lake.

Once I was back to the Vivian Lake Trail I headed downhill toward the Diamond Creek Falls Loop.

On my way down I spotted something coming up the trail below me.

It wasn’t another hiker, but rather a young buck who stopped and stared at me through the trees.

We stared at one another for a while then I told him I was heading that way. Proving deer are smarter than cows he turned around and took a couple of steps down the trail, then left the trail and bounded away from me uphill through the brush. Cows would have taken a few steps down the trail, stopped, looked back at me and then taken a few more steps down the trail. This would have repeated for a half mile or more and resulted in the trail being carpet bombed with cow pies, but I digress.

Back to the hike when I finally reached the Diamond Creek Falls Loop I turned right and completed the loop.

False hellebore

Snacks included blueberries, huckleberries, and a ripe salmonberry.

The Diamond Creek Falls Loop.

Rhododendron lined the trail. The loop is a great hike for rhododendron earlier in the year but that is also typically mosquito time.

Mount David Douglas from the trail.

The trail crossed two roadbeds.

Completing the loop.

I recrossed Salt Creek then turned right looping around the picnic area to return to the trailhead parking lot next to a Diamond Creek Falls Trail sign.

I somehow managed to turn my GPS off after marking the trailhead and didn’t catch it until I was at Too Much Bear Lake so I had to fill in the first part of the track manually. Based on the additional information I did get, this hike was between 9.5 and 10 miles with 1900′ of elevation gain.

Even though it was a Thursday I was surprised that I only passed one other person on the trails, and that was shortly before I completed the Diamond Creek Falls Loop. There were a few cars at the trailhead and people headed to Salt Creek Falls but I’d had the trails almost entirely to myself. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Salt Creek Falls to Vivian Lake

Tags Diamond Creek Falls, Diamond Creek Falls Loop, Diamond Peak Wilderness, Fall Creek Falls, hiking, Oregon, Salt Creek Falls, Too Much Bear Lake, Vivial Lake, Vivian Lake Trail

High Cascades Hiking Mt. Jefferson Area Oregon Trip report

Canyon Creek Meadows – 07/18/2026

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date July 21, 2026
2 Comments on Canyon Creek Meadows – 07/18/2026

It had been 13 years since we visited the wildflower meadows of Canyon Creek Meadows below Three Fingered Jack (post). Between our focus on hiking new trail (to us) and popularity of this hike we’d stayed away, but the Central Cascade Wilderness Permit system combined with the hike’s length being in the range of what I’m able to do right now it was time for another visit.

We secured our day use permits and made our way to the Jack Lake Trailhead. Note that Forest Road 1234 currently has several gouges due to runoff that are passable but require caution.

We arrived a little after 7am.

We picked up the Old Summit Trail next to the trailhead signboards and followed it around Jack Lake.

Glaucous beardtongue

Hardhack

Three Fingered Jack from Jack Lake.

Spreading dogbane

Sickletop lousewort

Fireweed

Scarlet gilia

North and Middle Sister with Jack Lake below.

An aster

The forest is still recovering from the 2003 B & B Complex fires.

Pearly everlasting

Scouler’s bluebells

At the 0.4-mile mark we passed a Mount Jefferson Wilderness sign and arrived at a junction with the one-way Canyon Creek Trail.

Heeding the one-way designation we turned left onto the Canyon Creek Trail. This trail climbed steadily for 1.7-miles to a junction with the Glacier View Trail near Canyon Creek.

Three Fingered Jack from the junction.

Lupine

Black Butte (post) to the left with Broken Top (partly behind Cache Mountain, and North & Middle Sister to the right. The haze is wildfire smoke from several recent lightning ignited fires across Central and Eastern Oregon.

I believe this is a Hoffmann’s Checkerspot.

As the trail climbed there were a few more trees that had survived the 2003 fires.

Golden-mantled ground squirrel

Woodland beardtongue

One-sided wintergreen

Small unnamed lake along the trail.

Rosy spirea

Arrowleaf groundsel

Mt. Jefferson to the north.

California tortoiseshell

Stellar’s jay

Arnica

Descending into the first of the meadows.

Thistle

Pussy paws

Larkspur

California stickseed

Another aster

Collection of wildflowers.

Sign at the junction. The one-way Canyon Creek Trail turns right here along the creek and returns to the Old Summit Trail. Before completing the loop we turned left on the Glacier View Trail to visit the upper meadow and to hopefully spot a mountain goat or two.

It is just under three-quarters of a mile to the upper meadow from the junction where one can continue on a climbers trail up a moraine to a cirque lake and then beyond to a saddle below the mountain with a view to the south.

Columbine and arrowleaf groundsel

Suksdorf’s paintbrush?

Subalpine mariposa lily

Lewis’ monkeyflower and paintbrush among other flowers.

The views of Three Finger Jack get better the closer you get to the upper meadow.

I was so focused on the mountain that I missed seeing a herd of mountain goats that were further to the left of this photo. Heather spotted them but I had gotten too far ahead for her to be able to point them out to me.

Mountain Indian paintbrush

View of the upper meadow from the trail. There are a couple of trails that lead down to the upper meadow but since our goal was to at least make it to the cirque lake we stayed as high up as the trails allowed.

Looking up at the moraine and a hiker atop it on the left.

Lewis’ monkeyflower

Silverleaf phacelia

Little flower penstemon

Heading up the moraine.

Fuzzy elmera. As far as I know this is the first time we’ve seen this flower, or at least noticed it.

Three Fingered Jack from the moraine. The Jack Glacier carved this side of the mountain but is no more than a small permanent snowfield now.

The lake from the moraine.

Mt. Jefferson and the upper meadow from the moraine.

Looking up at the saddle from the moraine.

After a short break atop the moraine, I continued up the trail.

Yarrow

Pollinator visiting Pacific stonecrop.

Looking back down during one of my breaks on the climb up.

As I continued climbing some hikers ahead noticed a mountain descending the rocky hillside to our left (opposite Three Fingered Jack). I pulled out the bigger camera that I was carrying in order to have better zoom capabilities and took a number of photos as we passed each other.

This one was tagged and wearing a tracking collar.

The mountain goat in the shadow to the right.

I veered left on a slightly more level path instead of going directly up to the saddle. This route led to a large bench.

Pink and white mountain heather

A more level trail over to the saddle.

Mt. Jefferson

The ridge extending south from the bench.

I followed this trail around the bench to reach the saddle.

Three Fingered Jack from the long saddle.

View NE from the saddle.

The view south.

Tam McArthur Rim (post), Broken Top, Mt. Bachelor (post) and the Three Sisters.

Mt. Washington with The Husband behind.

When I reached the saddle I could see Heather sitting next to some trees along the ridge above the lake.

I correctly deduced that she had decided that was far enough so after I had a snack I headed back down to where she had been watching the mountain goats. (She had spotted a couple more while I was exploring the ridge.)

The other goats she’d seen had gone around the corner except for one whose haunches were still visible. (At the bottom of a small crescent shaped cleft about halfway down the rocky portion of the hillside.)

After she pointed out the other goat to me, we started back down the trail.

Lewis’ monkeyflower

Cliff beardtongue

On our way back we dropped down an obvious trail to the upper meadow.

Many of the flowers in the meadow are lupine, which was mostly past, but as we neared Canyon Creek there were still a lot of blooming flowers.

The trail left the upper meadow and continued along Canyon Creek for 0.2-miles before rejoining the Glacier View Trail. We then followed that trail back to the junction with the Canyon Creek Trail.

Back on the Glacier View Trail.

Subalpine mariposa lily and aster.

Fritillary

We briefly took a wrong fork along the Glacier View Trail following this former creek bed?

Ladybug on false hellebore.

Orange agoseris

The Canyon Creek Trail junction.

We stayed straight at the junction following the one-way instructions and followed Canyon Creek for a mile to the Old Summit Trail.

Large boykinia

Subalpine fleabane

Looking back over Canyon Creek at Three Fingered Jack.

The Old Summit Trail junction.

We turned right onto the Old Summit Trail and followed it 1.2-miles back to the start of the Canyon Creek Loop.

By 11:30 the Akawa Butte Fire in Jefferson County was throwing up smoke plumes.

Smoke plumes from the Akawa Butte Fire rising behind Green Ridge (post).

California tortoiseshell butterflies enjoying the damp ground.

The trail sign at the junction with the Canyon Creek Trail ahead to the right.

It was just 0.4 mostly downhill miles back to the car from the junction.

Twinflower

Three Fingered Jack from Jack Lake.

It was interesting to look back at some of the photos from 2013 to see how the fire recovery was progressing. Here is Jack Lake with a lot more snags in 2013.

Here is a view of Mt. Jefferson from the Old Summit Trail from 2013 and 2026.

My hike including the exploration on the bench and to the saddle came to 8.1-miles with approximately 1600′ of elevation gain.

It was a lot of fun revisiting this hike and seeing the mountain goats was just an extra bonus for us. Hopefully the Forest Service can fix some of the water damage to the road before it gets any worse because it is a destination worth visiting. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Canyon Creek Meadows

High Cascades Hiking Mt. Hood Area Oregon Trip report

Ramona Falls – 07/09/2026

It’s been a busy week here. Monday, we took my brother and his family on a hike to Marion Lake (post), Tuesday I drove our son home to Eugene where we stopped at Meadowlark Prairie for a short outing (post). Wednesday, I had a follow-up appointment with my doctor who referred me back to physical therapy, this time for my back, as well as massage therapy to hopefully address the remaining issues I’m having.

While my back and hips are still bothering me, I’m not under any activity restrictions so Thursday I headed back to the trails. My brother and his family had gone down to Northern California for a couple of days to see the redwoods and Heather had to work leaving me on my own. After considering a couple of options I landed on Ramona Falls which Heather had visited back on May 30th. I was also hoping to visit the remains of the Upper Sandy River Guard Station.

I got an extra early start to my day and arrived at the Ramona Falls Trailhead shortly before 6am.

The trail almost immediately enters the Mt. Hood Wilderness making a very gradual climb along the Sandy River for 1.3-miles before dropping to a crossing of the river.

The wilderness sign to the right behind the trail sign at the trailhead.

White spiraea

A faded wilderness map stands near a junction where the Sandy River Trail joins from left.

Fireweed

Beardtongue

Pearly everlasting and penstemon

Mt. Hood from the trail just before dropping down to the river for the crossing.

Monkeyflower

It had been almost thirteen years since I’d been on this trail, having last visited when we hiked up Yocum Ridge (post). That was the year before a hiker was tragically swept away attempting to cross the seasonal bridge the Forest Service used to install for the Sandy River Crossing following a sudden storm. That was the last time a seasonal bridge would be installed. The crossing now changes from year to year depending on where the best option can be found. This year the crossing consisted of three logs, two small logs tied together and a larger log sitting around waist high to hold onto.

Easy peasy crossing this year.

On the other side of the river I spotted a raspberry bush with a single ripe berry and more to come.

I continued another third of a mile to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail.

Last Chance Mountain

The PCT to the left (northbound) and to the right (southbound). Ramona Falls can be reached in either direction on a loop, but I prefer clockwise so I stayed left.

After half a mile I left the PCT at another junction by turning right on the Ramona Falls Trail.

Next was a 1.8-mile stretch on the Ramona Falls trail to a junction with the Timberline Trail near Ramona Falls.

Salal

Twinflower

Most of the rhododendron blossoms were done but there were a few remaining in the cool forest here.

The Timberline Trail junction and the first glimpse of Ramona Falls.

I had passed a couple of tents a little before reaching the junction but I was the only one at the waterfall at 7:23am. I took a short break and had a snack before continuing on my hike.

The view from my break spot.

After my snack I continued on the Timberline Trail toward the PCT.

Looking back at the falls.

Squirrel

I had dropped the location of the Upper Sandy Guard Station, which sits on a bench below the Timberline Trail and above the PCT, on my map. As I neared the pin I began looking for a faint trail to the left. My first attempt was too early and the short path led to a secluded camp site but my second attempt led me to a rough trail the led down to the crumbling guard station.

The remains of the guard station.

The Sandy River Canyon.

For the fascinating history of the station please read this post by WyEast Blog.

From the guard station I followed a steep path downhill past another pair of tents to the Pacific Crest Trail (also the Timberline Trail here). To get back to the trailhead I needed to turn right and head northbound however I was in an exploring mood and had not ever been to the Sandy River Crossing which was only 0.3-miles away, so I turned left.

Red elderberry

Paintbrush

The Sandy River crossing. The river is pretty braided here and crossing wouldn’t have been too difficult, but it would have required fording at least one of the braids and I didn’t have my water shoes with me and didn’t want wet shoes so exploring further up the trail toward Paradise Park (post) was not an option.

Instead I decided to head upstream along the river and see what the area between Yocum Ridge and Slide Mountain was like.

No official trails head up the canyon but there were some footprints and several camp sites closer to the crossing.

This area was also popular with pikas. Several seemed to be having a conversation in “meeps” about my presence. It took a while but I finally spotted one of them.

I rambled a little of half a mile beyond the crossing before deciding that I’d had enough scrambling over rocks and turned around.

Buckwheat

The view from my turnaround spot. Not only was it rocky but it was getting increasingly brushy.

With no actual trails my route back was quite a bit different in spots, and I spotted some flowers I’d missed on my first pass.

Starting back.

Beardtongue

Paintbrush

Buckwheat patch.

Monkeyflower and algea

Golden-mantled ground squirrel

As I neared the Timberline Trail/PCT crossing I spotted pink flagging on the far side that marked the continuation of the trail.

California tortoiseshell

I found a spot where I could cross the first braided channel of the river but from the little island I was on I couldn’t see a way to cross the next one without getting wet.

I returned to the riverbank and picked up the trail then headed back.

Sugar sticks

The PCT/Timberline Trail climbed to a junction on a ridge where the Timberline Trail split off to the right toward Ramona Falls and the PCT went left. I went left and descended to the junction with the Ramona Falls Trail and then left the PCT to return to the trailhead.

Woodpecker

Back at the crossing.

Last look at Mt. Hood with the Sun kind of in the way.

Back at the trailhead.

Ramona Falls was as beautiful as I’d remembered and getting to see the old guard station was neat. Doing the hike on a weekday morning provided a lot of solitude. I only passed 13 people on the trails and ten of those were from the crossing to the trailhead. I’d seen about the same number of people at the various camp sites that were occupied. The hike itself came to 9.5-miles with approximately 1400′ of elevation gain.

This was the longest hike I’d done since my January 31st 14.8-mile hike along the Lower Deschutes River (post). I’m a little tight/sore as I write this trip report, but the hike itself felt really good. Hopefully this next round of therapy will help get me the rest of the way back. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Ramona Falls

Tags hiking, Mt. Hood, Mt. Hood Wilderness, Oregon, Pacific Crest Trail, PCT, Ramona Falls, Ramona Falls Trail, Sandy River Trail, Sandy River. Timberline Trail, Upper Sandy River Guard Station

High Cascades Hiking Mt. Jefferson Area Oregon Trip report

Marion Lake – 07/06/2026

My brother and his family came for a weeklong visit on the 4th of July from Missouri. When we first talked about the visit Jason mentioned they were hoping to join us on a hike so I’d asked what their ideal hike would entail. The answer was something in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, preferably involving a lake and a waterfall with a length of 5 to 6 miles. I immediately thought of Marion Lake, a hike that includes two lakes, a pair of waterfalls, and views of both Three Fingered Jack and Mt. Jefferson. As an extra bonus our son Dominique would also be joining us.

We had done this hike back in 2014 (post) and returned in 2016 for a much longer loop to the Eight Lakes Basin deeper in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderenss (post). Those visits were prior to the implementation of the Central Cascade Wilderness permit system. Permits are now required from June 15th to October 15th. Overnight permits are required to stay anywhere in the Mt. Jefferson. Three Sisters, and Mt. Washington Wilderness areas while day use permits are currently required at 19 of the 79 trailheads accessing these wilderness areas including the Marion Lake Trailhead. Day use permits are released in two rounds. About 40% of the day use permits for a specific date are released at 7am ten days before that day with the reminder made available two days before the date. I was ready at our computer at 7am on 6/26 and secured the six $1 permits we’d need for our families.

They were good sports and were willing to be on the road at 6am to allow us to be at the trailhead around 7:30am and take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures.

We followed the trail gradually uphill for approximately three quarters of mile to the boundary of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

Prince’s pine

Twinflower

Most of the rhododendron were done blooming but a few blossoms remained.

Anemone

There were a few ripe huckleberries along this stretch.

Washington lily

Our sharp-eyed niece spotted this frog along the trail.

Wilderness sign near the boundary.

Sugar sticks, also spotted by Bekkah.

The trail continued its gradual climb which included a couple of switchbacks before arriving at Lake Ann near the 1.6-mile mark.

One of several small springs along the trail.

Wintergreen

Thimbleberry

The outlet of Lake Ann flows beneath the trail here through the porous lava.

The trail passing along Lake Ann.

Lake Ann

After a short break at Lake Ann where we spotted a common merganser on the water and debated whether or not the brown hump on the far side of the lake was a grazing deer or something else (it was something else) we continued on. Just two tenths of a mile later we arrived at a junction where the trail split.

The Marion Lake Trail went left while the Marion Lake Outlet Trail was to the right. We forked right onto the Outlet Trail and in another tenth of a mile came to the unsigned trail to Marion Falls on our right.

We turned right onto this rougher path which crossed over a small ridge then descended to the top of Marion Falls.

This trail had a number of downed trees that required stepping over.

Gnome-plant

Above Marion Falls.

While there was some blowdown over the trail to the top of the falls it isn’t a particularly difficult 0.2-miles. The trail steepens significantly however if you wish to reach the bottom of the waterfall.

The trail disappearing as it drops steeply down the hillside.

Marion Falls

At the bottom of Marion Falls you are also near the top of Gatch Falls. (Some say it is actually just the lower tier of Marion Falls.)

Bachelor Mountain (post) from the top of Gatch Falls.

Monkeyflower

Looking back up the trail from below.

To get a view of Gatch Falls requires an even rougher and steeper descent.

Marion Creek continues tumbling downhill to Gooch Falls (post) a little over two miles downstream.

After admiring the waterfalls, we climbed back up to the top of Marion Falls and took a well-earned snack break before returning to the Marion Lake Outlet Trail.

We followed the trail another half mile around rocky hillsides where my brother’s family spotted a pika as it darted over the rocks and paused briefly before disappearing.

There is plenty of pika habitat such as this in the area.

After the half mile we found ourselves at a junction with the Blue Lake Trail.

At the junction we faced a choice, in order to keep the hike at 6-miles we would have needed to turn left here and hike 0.7-miles along Marion Lake to the Marion Lake Trail and turn left again for 0.4-miles to the junction with the Marion Lake Outlet Trail near Lake Ann. If, however, we wanted to get a view of the wilderness’ namesake, Mt. Jefferson, a detour or two would be needed. By turning right on the Blue Lake Trail for a quarter mile across a talus slope, the top of Mt. Jefferson would be visible across the lake which is what we did.

Better views can be had by going a little further, but because trees line the trail beyond it requires descending steeply to the lake shore which was a little more effort than we had in us today.

After getting a look at Mt. Jefferson we recrossed Marion Creek and hiked along the forested lake shore to the next detour at the day use peninsula.

The only beargrass that had any blossoms left on it.

Three Fingered Jack

Marion Peak is the forested peak to the left and Marion Mountain (post) is the rounded hump just left of center.

We detoured out the peninsula and took a break on some bedrock smoothed by ice age glaciers with a view of the top of Mt. Jefferson.

I continued steeply down the end of the peninsula to get another view of Three Fingered Jack before joining the rest of the group on the rocks.

California tortoiseshell

Creamy stonecrop and beardtongue

Paintbrush

After a nice break we returned to the main trail and continued on to the junction with the Marion Lake Trail.

Vine maple and thimbleberry along the trail.

Signpost at the junction.

We turned left and started the 2.2-mile return to the trailhead.

Lake Ann in the afternoon.

Heading out of the wilderness.

Pearly everlasting at the trailhead.

My GPS registered 6.6-miles for this hike. Total elevation gain for the hike was approximately 975′. My trip to the end of the peninsula added a little over a tenth of a mile.

Everyone survived the hike and more importantly seemed to enjoy it. It was a lot of fun spending the day with family and enjoying God’s creation. Happy Trails!

Flickr: Marion Lake

Tags Blue Lake Trail, gatch falls, hiking, lake ann, Marion Creek, marion falls, marion lake, Marion Lake Outlet Trail, Marion Lake Trail, Marion Lake Trailhead, Marion Mountain, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Oregon, Three Fingered Jack

High Cascades Hiking Mt. Washington Area Oregon Trip report

McKenzie River Trail – Clear Lake to Carmen Reservoir – 11/22/2025

Post author By derwoodynck
Post date November 24, 2025
No Comments on McKenzie River Trail – Clear Lake to Carmen Reservoir – 11/22/2025

A bluebird day forecast in the mountains on a day off equaled a trip to the northern end of the McKenzie River Trail at the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead for a hike past Clear Lake, Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls and Carmen Reservoir. While we’d visited each of those sites previously this hike would include two sections of the McKenzie River Trail that we had not hiked before.

We left the Willamette Valley fog behind and arrived at the trailhead a little after 7am and were greeted with clear skies and freezing temperatures.

Two trails leave from this trailhead, the Old Santiam Wagon Road which we’d hiked in 2023 (post) and the McKenzie River Trail. The McKenzie River Trail starts to the right of a large signboard and immediately crosses the bed of Fish Lake Creek which is dry most of the year.

Spring snowmelt fills Fish Lake (post) but the porous lava beneath the lake drains it by Summer.

The trail passed through the forest between Highway 126 and Fish Lake Creek for a mile to a junction with the Clear Lake Trail.

The trail crossed Eno Road at the 0.2-mile mark.

At the junction with McKenzie River Trail turns left and recrosses Fish Lake Creek with the Clear Lake Trail continuing straight allowing for a loop around Clear Lake.

We had decided to stick to the McKenzie River Trail and pass around the eastern side of the lake first and return on western side. The primary reason was that there is a view of several Cascade mountains from the Clear Lake Trail, but with the Sun having just risen it would have been behind the mountains. By saving the views for the return trip the Sun would be almost directly overhead allowing for a better view of the snowy peaks.

The second footbridge over Fish Lake Creek.

It wasn’t long after crossing the footbridge that we got our first views of Clear Lake.

There were dozens of ducks on the lake including buffleheads, common mergansers, and Barrow’s goldeneyes.

The ripples in the lake are the ducks moving away from the annoying hikers.

Barrow’s goldeneye

Common mergansers

The Clear Lake Resort across from the trail.

A half mile from the junction the trail passes Great Spring which is the primary source of Clear Lake and the McKenzie River.

Beyond the spring the trail continued around the lake passing through frosty lava flows and small sections of forest for another 1.8-miles before reaching a junction with the other end of the Clear Lake Trail.

The boat ramp at the resort.

There were quite a few American dippers (ouzels) along the shore of the lake.

Buffleheads

A section of the trail is paved near the Coldwater Cove Campground.

The trail crosses the campground boat ramp.

Looking back across the lake we could see several of the Old Cascades peaking up over the trees.

Crescent Mountain (post) and The Three Pyramids (post)

Another ouzel

The southern end of the Clear Lake Trail.

We stayed on the McKenzie River Trail which crossed FR 770 after 0.4-miles then Highway 126 before arriving at a junction with the Waterfalls Trail 0.7-miles from the Clear Lake Trail junction.

Witch’s butter

FR 770 provides access to the Coldwater Cove Campground.

The trail crossing Highway 126. We were lucky there was not much traffic to deal with on either dash across today.

After crossing the highway the trail joined the McKenzie River.

The junction with the Waterfalls Trail.

We decided to leave the McKenzie River Trail here and take the Waterfalls Trail down to Carmen Reservoir and then return via the McKenzie River Trail. It was a little over a third of a mile from the junction to an overlook above Sahalie Falls.

Sahalie Falls

McKenzie River below Sahalie Falls.

McKenzie River above Sahalie Falls.

A tenth of a mile further down the trail is a second viewpoint with a direct view of the falls.

We continued past this viewpoint another half mile to the top of Koosah Falls.

Ouzel

This unnamed waterfall was off the trail a bit and hard to get a good view of from this side of the river.

View from above Koosah Falls.

There were two viewpoints for Koosah Falls along the trail.

The second viewpoint.

From the second Koosah Falls viewpoint it was another third of a mile to Carmen Reservoir where we turned right on FR 750 for a tenth of a mile to the Carmen Reservoir Trailhead.

The FR 750 bridge over the McKenzie River.

Carmen Reservoir

Walking along FR 750 toward the McKenzie River Trail.

We took a short break on a bench at the trailhead then followed pointers for the McKenzie River Trail.

After a short climb we turned right onto the McKenzie River Trail and in 0.2-miles came to a series of views of Koosah Falls.

Coral fungus

The trail initially climbed gradually from Koosah Falls before steepening as it neared Sahalie Falls.

McKenzie River above Koosah Falls.

The unnamed waterfall.

It was a little tricky to find the right use path that led to this view of the unnamed waterfall and it required scrambling between some wet logs and mossy rocks.

As the trail steepened a use trail forked off to the right which led to a direct view of Sahalie Falls.

Looking back along the use trail. It was a sketchy in spots, especially with how wet everything was.

To get a view of the falls I had to scramble over these rocks.

We continued on past Sahlie Falls to the footbridge over the river and the junction with the Waterfalls Trail.

The McKenzie River from the footbridge.

From the junction we returned to the Clear Lake Trail junction and turned onto that trail to finish the loop around the lake.

Turning onto the Clear Lake Trail.

The Clear Lake Trail crossed the McKenzie River at the outlet of Clear Lake then traversed a forested hillside above the lake for a mile to the Clear Lake Day Use Area.

Clear Lake from the bridge.

Sand Mountain (post) with some snow patches across the lake.

The Sand Mountain lookout tower on the summit to the right.

Mt. Washington across the lake.

The top of Mt. Washington.

The top of North Sister with a bit of Middle Sister to far right.

Picnic shelter at the day use area.

We briefly lost the trail here as there wasn’t any obvious signage near the resort.

Cafe and boat rentals.

We wound up following a pointer for restrooms instead of following the trail along the shore of the lake and had to cut down through the cabins to rejoin the actual trail.

Back on the official Trail.

We followed the Clear Lake trail as it bowed out and around the Ikenick Creek arm of Clear Lake.

More Barrow’s goldeneyes.

Footbridge over Ikenick Creek.

After crossing Ikenick Creek the trail returned to Clear Lake and arrived at a bench with a view across the lake of the Three Sisters.

Scott Mountain (post) across the lake.

Tree trunk in Clear Lake.

The Three Sisters

North, Middle, and South Sister

After taking in the view of the Three Sisters we completed the loop and returned to the car stopping often along the way to take photos of the numerous mushrooms that lined the trail.

While the temperatures had risen into the 40’s by the time we got back to the trailhead there was still plenty of ice and frost left on the ground.

The GPS put our hike at 11.7-miles with approximately 1000′ of cumulative elevation gain. For shorter hikes either of the loops that we did during this outing are worthy options.

This was a great hike with a lot of variety. Lakes, waterfalls, mountain views, lava fields, mossy green forest and some wildlife. The lack of leaves on the bushes and trees around the lake provided a little better viewing experience than we’d had on our first visit to Clear Lake and the cold temperatures reduced the crowds around the waterfalls. With the additional sections of the McKenzie River Trail completed we now only have about 1.5 of the 26.5-mile trail left to hike. Happy Trails!

Flickr: McKenzie River Trail – Clear Lake to Carmen Res.

Tags Barrow's Goldeneye, Carmen Reservoir, Carmen Reservoir Trailhead, Clear Lake, Clear Lake Day Use Area, Clear Lake Trail, Coldwater Cove Campground, Great Spring, hiking, Koosah Falls, McKenzie River Trail, Oregon, Sahalie Falls, Upper McKenzie River Trailhead