Before you leave town, be sure to gas up, as no services are available Trailhead coordinates: 34.12509, -118.63485 (34 07 30.32N 118 38 05.46W) View Santa Monica Mountains in a larger map. Nighttime was utterly silent on Berry Island, and, in a small way, I missed the conversations I often have with follow campers. From a campground at Timpanogas Lake, hike 2 miles to Indigo Lake or explore other trails. They extend nearly 80 miles, from the Red Rock Valley in California to Warner Canyon, which lies immediately east of Lakeview, Oregon. many who pushed west on the Oregon trail stopped short of the Willamette Grabbing your own little island in the sun on a pristine Cascade lake with a view of Diamond Peak isn't a bad way to pass the time. The summit is spectacular though and offers views of the rest of Diamond Peak's arms, and you can see Waldo Lake, Willamette Pass, Maiden Peak, the Three Sisters and Mt. From Oakridge, head east on Highway 58 for 34 miles. Official websites use .gov A .gov The solitude is deeper and more satisfying you might score your own swimming hole or viewpoint, andthere's littleconcern of an obnoxious group showing up next door. Diamond Peak. Take the exit and at the stop sign turn left. Summit Lake has a small first come first serve campground if you want to spend the night after a long day of summiting. Copyright 2023. Day 0 we left the house later than planned, took OR-58 southeast out of Eugene and about 1.5 hours later we arrived at Crescent Lake. Coordinates: 43.46253, -122.13376 ADVENTURES NEAR SUMMIT LAKE connected to the .gov website. With a population of 130, Sumpter is a shadow of All Rights Reserved. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Waldo Lake, less than a two hour drive from Eugene, Oregon is a pristine lake nestled into the Cascade Mountain range. Ashland. Ten miles down the road, gold was discovered in Bull Run Creek in 1862, and the town of Granite sprang up. The Climber's Trail at first isn't well defined but multiple paths can be easily made (just point yourself "up" to the high point). I have a 2006 DR-Z400s and . 541-426-5546, Clarkston - Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, 2535 Riverside Drive Primitive campground. Perhaps predictably, the sites are all first-come, first-served. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 541-962-8500, 201 East Second St. Having trekking poles helps immensely! Follow 4200-141 west about one mile to the campground. From the junction the climber trail immediately starts going steeply uphill. Island camping: There are many boat-in campsites where its possible to make camp via canoe or kayak. Know as well that all the roads around Summit Lake are primitive at best, and youll want a high-clearance, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle to negotiate them. by a ghost. Backtrack to trailhead/car, drive to Crescent Lake, home. Leaving Sumpter, the Byway climbs to take in dramatic views of the Elkhorns, eventually reaching Blue Springs Summit (5,864 ft.), a popular snowmobiling venue. One area where the fires haven't been quite so bad isWillamette Pass, southeast of Eugene. After 2 rough miles, the trailhead will be on your left. 57600 McKenzie Hwy An official website of the Easier day-hikes bring you to Rockpile and Marie lakes, while a more challenging adventure of 10 to 13 miles and 4,000 feet of climb bring you to the summit of Diamond Peak. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 3113 and travel about 0.8 miles to the access road to Summit Guard Station. From Hoodoo's (above) we simply drove west along Crescent Lake's north shore until we hit FR 398/6010 which continued directly west to Summit Lake and the Pacific Crest Trail head parking lot (roughly: 43.4632, -122.1341). Back to camp. It serves as a trailhead for both the Summit Lake and North Powder River Trails. This is a great PCT. Turn, /US Frst Service Rd. (Unfortunately, this has become an issue around Summit Lake.) Suite A If you have trekking poles, put them away at the false summit so that you can have both of your hands free for maneuvering, (view of the spine from the false summit - picture by Holly Voltin). Continue south on U.S. Route This trailhead provides access for the Pacific Crest Trail at Summit Lake. The Summit to Summit event is on Saturday, May 6th, 2023, at the Summit Christian College campus in Gering, NE. Real-time Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watch Warnings help keep our community safe. Its about nourishment and learning. Soon, the Byway turns west and joins the Powder River. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. The jagged Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. My re-assurances fell on deaf ears but indeed the cairn was found intact and we continued on (FYI it's located around treeline; the PCT up until this point is heading roughly NW but after the junction with the Climber's Trail the PCT sharply turns off to the NE). Summit Lake Campground is a hidden treasure waiting to be found with only three campsites and a rocky access road that might intimidate many campers (the Forest Service recommends a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle to tackle this thing)! Unknown; no water crossings, camp side lake was our source and seemed at average water level. Turn left on gravel Road 15 for 10. . A blue-green pool nestled below Sawtooth Mountains 1,000-foot cliffs, Indigo Lake makes a nice first-time backpacking destination for children. Easy 4 mile walk back to the car. Due to our late start there was less lounging time at the cabin (Hoodoo's Crescent Lake Resort) than we wanted, but we were still able to enjoy some fishing, beer, and a nice dinner. The PCT junction with the Marie Lake Trail was clearly marked and we turned West towards Camp (sorry don't have a picture). We have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp and are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper community be inclusive. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. ) or https:// means you've safely The purity of the water that makes it to Summit Lake, combined with the relatively small area of the drainage basin that feeds it, gives the lake a characteristic clarity that is alternately sapphire, turquoise, and gold depending on lake depth. beware of the sign that says Diamond Peak Trail 1 mile from Summit Lake as I tried it and a large tree blocked the way in July of 2002). Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Fair warning. Its about protecting what sustains us. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. There are still places in the Cascade Mountains where you can go to camp, boat, fish and relax. People do catch brook trout here, but theyre small and a challenge to hook given the clear water. You can tour the city's downtown to see fine examples of turn-of-the-century . This made the trip an easier sell to Alex who enjoys his creature comforts (running water, cold beer) and facilitated logistics overall. At 5,600 feet, the lake is filled by pure snowmelt there are no inlet creeks and the rocky geology means there isnt much sediment either. Turn left onto the access road and follow the road to the right. Occasionally Diamond Peak would come into view, peeking through the trees, a concrete reminder of our goal. The Elkhorn Drive This trail is great for hiking and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. General Information Directions: From Baker City, Oregon head north on Highway 30 toward Haines for approximately 10 miles; In Haines turn left and follow the Anthony Lake Highway signs for approximately 11 miles to Foothill Road; Turn left on Foothill Road and go south for approximately 3.5 miles to Bulger Flat Lane (County Road 566); Turn right on Bulger Flat Lane and head west and south west . Indeed, it is because of this view, this incredible location, that Summit Lake Campground is an absolute gem in spite of itself. Zillow has 2385 homes for sale. to a downhill ski resort that's served up great powder since 1933. Total of 76.4 miles via Crescent Lake and NF-398 which requires a high clearance vehicle. Bachelor in the distance to the north. full access. Turn left on Forest Road 2160 and continue for approximately 1 mile then turn right on 2160-380. It is very steep and the rocks are loose, so take it slow. This option requires more planning and there are plenty of regulations about where youre allowed to put down a tent. The first is making camp at a developed campground or walk-in spot. The Elkhorn Byway soon meets I lay in the sun and read, then take a chilly dip when it gets warm. A canoe would be a better choice, but on a solo trip, I opted for easier traveling. The trail to the left takes you to Rockpile and Marie Lake and the trail to the right is a, As you get closer to the Diamond Peak climber trail junction, you will catch glimpses of the mountain through the trees. From Oakridge, head east on Highway 58 for 2 miles and turn right at a sign for Hills Creek Dam. La Grande, OR 97850 While the mines in the Elkhorn Full of deep ruts and large boulders, the road is treacherous any time of the year but particularly in early summerdue to late snowmelt that makes it easy to get stuck in snow or mud. Map Information, See accessible adventures at Detroit Lake & the McKenzie River Valley, Supervisor's Office Keep in mind this area is infested with mosquitoes from mid-June to mid-August. There are dispersed campsites around the lake as well. The highway has several distinct stretches, and is the main east-west highway through Roseburg, and provides access to Crater Lake National Park from the north. Diamond Peak and Marie and Rockpile Lakes. Two passes, Fandango and Cedar bisect the range and provide the only reasonable opportunities to cross the mountains by car. Because the rocks are loose you have to watch your footing carefully. Stay on this road for a total of 10.3 miles. Three miles past Indigo Springs Campground, turn left on Timpanogas Road 2154. At a Glance Activities Bicycling Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Alerts & Warnings Willamette NF Fire Closures View All Forest Alerts Recreation Areas For the way down, be careful to not go the wrong way. Thank You! 1935 is on display in a park at the edge of town; it's rumored to be haunted Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Theres something unique about camping on an island. In The Anthony Lake area is also home Learn more about our photo removal policy if you would like to proceed with flagging this photo for removal. Ten miles down the road, gold was discovered in Bull Run Creek in 1862, They are basalt boulders capped with enough topsoil to support the native flora, each its own little Cascade terrain. Turn left at a very faint sign for Summit Lake and FSR 6010 and follow this awful rutted road a few short miles to Summit Lake Campground. My GPS tracker was off for Day 1 Leg 1 (turned it on after lunch); Day 2 I left it on after we already got in the car and started driving which is the reason for the inconsistencies. View Diamond Peak, southern route via Crescent/Summit Lakes Image Gallery - 14 Images. Drop some Summit Lake Campground knowledge on us. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Would you recommend Summit Lake Campground? Longer but less rough route:From Oakridge, head east on Highway 58 for 2 miles and turn right at a sign for Hills Creek Dam. Within a few miles of each other, Grande Ronde Lake and Anthony Lake by Bubba Suess Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:25 am, Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. When Forest Road 73 ends Not only is South Sister a stunning image and visible from hundreds of miles throughout Central Oregon, but it is a great beginner climb to introduce hikers to high altitude mountain life. So take these recommendations with a grain of salt and call the Middle Fork Ranger Station(541-782-2283) in advance to check conditions. Turn left at a very faint sign for Summit Lake and FSR 6010 and follow this awful. Mosquitoes. 541-523-6391, 3502 Highway 30 The highlight is an easy-moderate hike of 5 miles round-trip to stunning Indigo Lake. Once you crest the boulder field you will be at Diamond Peak's false summit. This section of the Pacific Crest Trail is extremely mellow and only gains a total of 1,010 feet of elevation during the entire 4.45 miles that you are on it. (Total of 112 miles), Top One Night Backpacking Trips in Oregon, Corvallis to Sea Trail - Sugarbowl Creek segment (members only), Park Meadow to Golden Lake (members only), Middle Fork Willamette Trail (members only), Quinn Lakes & Eddeeleo Lakes (members only), Blair Lake to Spring Prairie (members only), Strawberry Lake & Strawberry Falls (members only), Top Tips For Hiking With Infants And Toddlers, Long Sleeved Shirts For Cold Weather Hiking, Storing Your Bear Canister When Backpacking, Outdoor Herbivore Backpacking Food Review, Drive OR-58 east to the outskirts of town and then turn right onto, Drive on OR-62 east for 49.5 miles, then make a s. Total of 138.5 miles via Oakridge. Shortly after hitting timberline you will come to a very obvious spot where the rocky/boulder section starts. east and climbs its apex at Elkhorn Mountain Summit (7,392 ft.). This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Directions: From Oakridge, continue east on Highway 58 for 1.8 miles to a "Hills Creek Dam" sign between mileposts 37 and 38. The summit is fairly large and flat and during non-windy conditions (which is rare) you could even spend the night up there and witness a life changing sunset and sunrise. Close to adventures. It's the fixed rocky terrain that will punish low ground clearance cars. A small 10-site campground provides a spot to fish for cutthroat and brook trout, go kayaking in the shadow of overhanging mountains or just swim where the Willamette begins. Turn left at a very faint sign for Summit Lake and FSR 6010 and follow this awful rutted road a few short miles to Summit Lake Campground. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted. Please take a short survey (5 minutes or less) and help us understand what features are most important to you and what we could improve about TripCheck services.Thank you. Map showing recreational areas. Boat ramp. Fishing, from what I was told, is not good here. Print/PDF map. the business district was destroyed by fire in 1917, gold was extracted Personally, I love bringing a hammock, lunch and book to Indigo. United States government. This trailhead provides access for the Pacific Crest Trail at Summit Lake. A grove of drooping pines provided shade, and the shoreline included large basalt boulders on one side and a sliver of sand beach on the other. 770 for another 2 miles. Coordinates: 43.46253, -122.13376 Waldo Lake Summit Lake Campground is the little campground that could. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Turn right for half a mile. Phone Number. We reached the summit about 3:30 pm, took our pictures and put our names in the summit register. #1. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation." McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413 Please contact us with questions and comments. The trailhead is located approximately 1 mile further on the right side of the road. A five-pound The TripCheck website provides roadside camera images and detailed information about Oregon road traffic congestion, incidents, weather conditions, services and commercial vehicle restrictions and registration. Registration 6:00 to 7:15 a.m. All Runners Pistol Start at 7:30 a.m. All Walkers Pistol Start at 7:31 a.m. We made slow but steady progress to the false summit (about 3 pm) without issue. It wasnt much less than an acre in size but it had character. The majority of boat-in camping spots are on the north end, among a scattering of small islands off a main peninsula that juts into the lake. Navigating the way down with the GPS track that you recorded when going up will be very helpful. Sharing is caring, y'all. Road to Summit Lake Near Diamond Peak Oregon. Clarkston, WA 99403 That was my experience, at least, during a trip to one of Oregons only mountain lakes where its possible to boat in and set up tent on an island. But the most endearing characteristic may be the many small islands that rest just off shore all the way around the lake. It is the primary route between the Willamette Valley and south-central Oregon, including the Klamath Falls region. Still hadn't run into anyone else on the trail. Summit Lake Campground is the little campground that could. Early September in Oregon forecast good weather (no storms), day/night temps 70s/40s. Diamond Peak sits within the Diamond Peak Wilderness which is part of Willamette National Forest. Oregon. For this story, Im spotlighting my three favorite lakes in the area Timpanogas, Summit and Waldo. At its widest point, near Eagleville, the Warners are only 15 miles wide. This is a FREE campsite. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. **If you Google directions to Summit Lake DO NOT take the suggested route even if Google says it is faster. Chambers Lakes: From Sisters, drive 1.4 miles west on McKenzie Pass Highway, aka Oregon 242. 0:35 - Gate just before Adamsville Avenue. 2023Outdoor Project. Further, and rather unfortunately, many of these pullouts have a close perimeter of human waste left by campers too lazy to bring a shovel. The Pacific Crest Trail meanders around Summit Lake, and the section that heads north is one of the most popular approaches for Diamond Peak. The rest of the hike would definitely be rated easy to moderate. Follow this road and signs for Summit Lake about 6.5 miles to a major (but barely marked) junction. Country. 541-782-2283, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recarea/?recid=81076, MRRD: Helicopter Operations Occurring 4/14/23-6/14/23, FIRE CLOSURES: Cedar Creek, Beachie Creek & Lionshead, Holiday Farm, Potter, etc, Forest Road 46 open for 11 miles; portion closed to vehicle traffic. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. It is the youngest, geologically speaking having the most recent volcanic activity of the Three Sisters. Oregon" (pop. The "Wild and Scenic" John Day River is recognized for outstanding Enter your email below to be notified when we get access. Days spent gliding across sapphire water in a canoe or kayak, weaving among islands and peninsulas in search of sand beaches and groves of huckleberries,is an experience close to heaven. The experience here is classic remote car camping. At the fringe of treeline the climb turns into its steepest part (and a solid Class II) but there's still good footing. More than 23 miles of trail surround the lake. Our legs were feeling good and the weather was perfect (70s but still in the trees). And nows a good timeto explore the iconic mountain lakes and trails near Oakridge. Their stories live on in Granite's abandoned buildings. Travel east from Oakridge, Oregon for 2 miles and turn right on Kitson Springs County Road (Forest Road 23), continue for 0.5 miles and turn right on Forest Road 21 (Diamond Drive). into Phillips Lake, which is a popular boating and fishing spot. skiing and snowmobiling in winter. United States. The climb is non-technical but requires some route-finding on a trek of 11 miles round-trip with 3,000 feet of climb. website belongs to an official government organization in the You will still have great views from there towards the south as well as to the east and west. trout; a half-mile long paved trail offers river access. By the time evening arrived, Id arranged a nice place for reading and star-watching. Day Stats: Distance ~ 10.5 miles. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors. The best times to visit this trail are June through November. At a Glance Activities Bicycling Hiking Horse Riding & Camping 2023 www.statesmanjournal.com. We hit the trail with high spirits just after 8 am. (For now!) Oregon Route 58 is of high importance as a freight corridor. The 6 miles of road NF-398 from Crescent Lake to Summit Lake is some of the roughest road you will ever experience in Oregon and the road gets worse every single year. offer picturesque settings for camping and fishing, plus cross-country 541-367-5168, McKenzie River Ranger District 2023Outdoor Project. Thankfully James' Subaru Outback handled it without problems (we went slow, it was brand spanking new). (view to the south from Diamond Peak summit), *All pictures unless otherwise marked are taken by Franziska Weinheimer, connector trail and would eventually take you to. an extensive collection of pioneer antiques. We arrived at the trailhead (PCT) parking lot (just NNW of Summit Lake), 2 other cars were there (could see 1 tent pitched near Summit Lake) but didn't see/hear any people. and the town of Granite sprang up. The higher you get the looser and more sand-like the terrain becomes. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. Instead, the pure, clear water you see in Summit Lake comes straight from years of Cascade snowmelt and rain, and in turn this lake becomes a primary source for the much larger . Options. You may pick up your race packet on Friday at Summit Christian College anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 6th. Follow this road and signs for Summit Lake about 6.5 miles to a major (but barely marked) junction. Looking for a real escape? Visit the Eastern Oregon Museum, which features It can be done as a day trip but makes for a great overnighter for families/kids or those wanting a less strenuous backpacking experience (especially if you only plan to head to Marie/Rockpile Lakes). Difficult to reach. Timpanogas also makes a wonderful base camp for hiking or backpacking. General Information Directions: From Sandy, OR - follow Highway 26 south approximately to Primary Forest Route 42. (view of Summit Lake, Cowhorn Mountain, Sawtooth Mountain & Mount Thielsen). Of the three lakes featured here, Waldo is the most famous, developed and consequently crowded. Hard 4.4 (40) Deschutes National Forest. Uncrowded. But in order to enjoy it, youll have to make sure you are visiting Summit Lake after mosquito season, which sometimes ends as early as August. No fee is required to hike/climb/camp, but a backcountry/day use permit ("self serve," free, filled out at trailhead) was required. Pass by a metal gate and begin an ascent along the Summit to Summit Motorway. 541-822-3381, Middle Fork Ranger District mining), to Sumpter. Summit Lake is the smallest and most remote of the three-lake sequence that sits in the glaciated basin just east of Diamond Peak. This road should not be attempted unless you have a very high clearance Jeep or 4Runner. and '49 Jimmie, whose only companion was a rooster with whom he shared Note: Some of the data is off due to the different combinations of information sources (topo maps, GPS tracker) I spliced together. At a junction turn, NF-398 at a sign for Summit Lake. Southeast Oregon; Crater Lake / Diamond Lake; Lake of the Woods / Siskiyou Summit; Sno-Park Permits; Sno-Park Permit Vendors . Mosquitoes are very bad until late August. It was my first backpacking trip with my 2 best friends (Alex and James; they had a combined 1 backcountry night between them prior to this). The last 5 miles of Forest Service 7301 road past the Forest Service boundaryare recommended for high clearance vehicles only. I, not being from Oregon and having to fly in, was dependent on others for the drive in to the trailhead. At 3.1 miles you will see a trail cross the PCT. We reached camp just after 6pm. Even with these high clearance cars the 6 miles will likely take about 45 minutes to 1 . Heading north takes you into the Diamond Peak Wilderness, withhighlights such as Rockpile and Marie lakes. Turn off PCT to the unmarked "Climber's Trail" to the false summit then summit. I parked near the boat ramp, inflated my kayak and began loading up gear. From values, and is a popular destination for outdoor people. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest and past many small ponds. There is also a lot of primitive camping along the Pacific Crest Trail near Summit Lake, as well as near small ponds on the way to the Diamond Peak climber trail. Photos. Follow signs to campgrounds or boat ramps. Three campgrounds on the shore offer quiet, peaceful places for families, friends and couples. "Money itself is worth far more than anything you could possibly buy with it. Then bear right onto Road 21 and . He is the author of the book Hiking Southern Oregon and can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Byway tour, head south on Oregon Route 7. Summit Lake - East Details. LockA locked padlock Follow 42 south through the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and back into the national forest. We integrate with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers. ( Mountain biking the trail that circles the lake also is popular, as is hiking to various spots in the Waldo Lake Wilderness. This 106-mile loop is a voyage through gold booms, ghost towns and the Oregon Department of Transportation. There are multiple cairns along the route to help find your way but again, not really necessary. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. This route may be longer, and it still has very rough sections, but much less of them. Development: Small campground with three official sites, small boat ramp and pit toilet. It was challenging enough to feel satisfying and a perfect way to introduce others to the outdoors. The spine can look sketchy and narrow from the false summit, but it is about 3-4 feet wide in most spots. There are a few different routes up the mountain, but the route starting at Summit Lake is by far the easiest. Park where the restored narrow gauge "Stump Dodger" train takes 46375 Highway 58 It's much steeper going than the PCT was, but its solidly within Class I territory. All loaded up, I pushed off from the shoreline and onto the water. Minimum Drive Time: 3-5 hours ), ontoOR-138 W and stay on this road for 9.4 miles. Springfield,OR 97477 3106 Pierce Parkway SuiteD connected to the .gov website. Diamond Peak Via Pacific Crest Trail. its glory days when miners produced over $10 million in gold ore, and Smoke will likely obscure some of your views this summer, but normally, you can see the Three Sisters, Diamond Peak and Mount Thielsen at the top. It is not a bad climb if ridden from north to south either. Mosquitoes. Background on Diamond Peak can be found at Summit Posts' very helpfulpage. Discover campsites, ranches, vineyards, farms, glamping, public parks and more. It also is the preferred route to points further southeast, including Reno, Nevada.Finally, it is an important alternate route for traffic moving up and down the West Coast, as bad weather frequently closes Interstate 5 . Water Level: Seasonal average? From Pendleton, Oregon: Travel Interstate 84 east for 34 miles to Exit 243 (Mt. (14), Non-intimidating profile with easy "bail out" (1 overnight but could be accomplished as a day hike; easy water access; easy car/frontcountry access), No particular gear, weather, altitude, or environmental concerns, Just over 10 miles, ~3,400' gain, 2,950' loss, Sleeping Altitude: ~ 6,000' (USGS topo marks Marie Lake @ 6,014'; Rockpile Lake @ 6,037'), Sleeping altitude ~ 4,800' (4,000+ gain via car), Successful summit; Diamond Peak (8,744'), September 11 2016.

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