Hike Oregon
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  • Oregon Sno-Parks
    • Maxwell Sno-Park
    • Potato Hill Sno-Park
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      • Brandenburg Shelter
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      • Meissner Shelter Loop
      • Nordeen Shelter
    • Gold Lake Sno-Park
      • Westview Shelter to Eagle Rock Overlook
      • Marilyn Lakes Loop
  • Southern Washington
    • Hamilton Mountain
    • Dog Mountain
    • Coyote Wall
    • Mount St. Helens
  • Portland
    • Powell Butte
    • Forest Park
    • Latourell Falls
    • Multnomah/Wahkeena Falls
    • Eagle Creek
    • Mitchell Point
    • Table Rock
    • Tamanawas Falls
    • Trillium Lake
    • East Zigzag Mountain (members only)
  • Salem
    • Abiqua Falls
    • Silver Falls State Park
    • Dome Rock
    • Marion Lake to Marion Mountain
    • Jefferson Park
  • Corvallis
    • Marys Peak East Ridge
    • Marys Peak North Ridge
    • Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls
    • Corvallis to Sea Trail - Sugarbowl Creek segment (members only)
  • Sweet Home
    • Crescent Mountain
    • Iron Mountain
    • McDowell Creek Falls
    • Middle Santiam River (members only)
    • Lower Soda Creek Falls (members only)
    • Rooster Rock (members only)
  • McKenzie Bridge/Blue River
    • Macduff Mountain
    • Proxy Falls
    • Clear Lake
    • Sahalie/Koosah Falls
    • Blue Pool
    • Erma Bell Lakes
    • Olallie Mountain
    • Horsepasture Mountain
    • Tidbits Mountain
    • Castle Rock
    • Lowder Mountain (members only)
    • East Fork Trail (members only)
    • Rainbow Falls Overlook (members only)
    • Frissell Point (members only)
    • Chucksney Mountain (members only)
    • Substitute Point (members only)
  • Sisters/Santiam Pass
    • Coffin Mountain
    • Trappers Butte and Scar Mountain
    • Maxwell Butte
    • Black Butte
    • Whychus Creek Trail
    • Tam McArthur Rim
    • Black Crater
    • Scott Mountain
    • Obsidian Trail
    • Metolius Preserve
    • Three Fingered Jack Loop
    • Square Lake
    • Canyon Creek Meadows
    • Patjens Lakes
    • Craig Lake (members only)
    • Chush Falls (members only)
    • Rockpile Lake (members only)
    • Santiam Lake (members only)
    • Camp Lake (members only)
    • Park Meadow to Golden Lake (members only)
  • Bend/Redmond/LaPine
    • Steins Pillar
    • Chimney Rock
    • Steelhead Falls
    • Tumalo State Park
    • Shevlin Park Loop
    • Tumalo Falls
    • Tumalo Mountain
    • No Name Lake
    • Green Lakes
    • Moraine Lake
    • South Sister Summit
    • Horse Lake
    • Muskrat Lake
    • Paulina Peak
    • Peter Skene Ogden Trail (members only)
  • Eugene
    • Ridgeline Trail
    • Mount Pisgah Summit
    • Mount Pisgah Arboretum
    • Shotgun Creek
    • Mount June
    • Lawler
    • Tire Mountain
    • Goodman Creek
    • Brice Creek
    • Trestle Creek Falls
    • Parker Falls
    • Moon Falls
    • Elijah Bristow State Park
    • South Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Eula Ridge (members only)
    • Eagle's Rest (members only)
  • Oakridge
    • Deception Creek
    • North Salmon Creek
    • Grasshopper Ridge
    • Larison Creek
    • Bunchgrass Ridge
    • Salt Creek Falls
    • Waldo Lake Loop
    • South Waldo Loop
    • The Twins
    • Rosary Lakes
    • Yoran Lake
    • Fawn Lake
    • Windy Lakes
    • Divide Lake
    • Diamond Peak Summit
    • Cowhorn Mountain
    • Wall Creek Warm Springs (members only)
    • Moon Point (members only)
    • Bobby Lake (members only)
    • Lillian Falls (members only)
    • Middle Fork Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Pool Creek Falls (members only)
    • Dead Mountain (members only)
    • Larison Rock (members only)
    • Quinn Lakes & Eddeeleo Lakes (members only)
    • Waldo Mountain Lookout (members only)
    • Blair Lake to Spring Prairie (members only)
    • Rigdon Lakes loop (members only)
  • Oregon Coast
    • Cascade Head
    • Drift Creek Falls
    • Sweet Creek Falls
    • Beaver Creek Falls
    • Kentucky Falls
    • Hobbit Trail to Heceta Head
    • Valley Trail to China Creek
    • Sutton Creek Trail (members only)
    • North Fork Smith River (members only)
    • Cummins Ridge (member's only)
    • Horse Creek (members only)
    • Siltcoos Lake (members only)
  • Southern Oregon
    • Fall Creek Falls
    • Watson Falls
    • Wild Rogue Loop
    • Mt. Thielsen
    • Crater Lake National Park
      • The Watchman
      • Mount Scott
      • The Pinnacles
    • Lower Table Rock
    • Pilot Rock
    • Wagner Butte
    • Mt. McLoughlin
    • Lemolo Falls (members only)
    • Fern Falls (members only)
  • Eastern Oregon
    • Painted Cove
    • Anthony Lake Loop
    • Mount Howard
    • Eagle Cap summit
    • Schneider Cabin (members only)
    • Strawberry Lake & Strawberry Falls (members only)
  • Oregon PCT sections
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Leave No Trace
    • How To Pick The Right Backpacking Tent
    • Top Tips For Hiking With Infants And Toddlers
    • Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac
    • How to dress for cold weather hikes
    • Outdoorsy Holiday Gift Guide 2022
    • Hiker Holiday Gift Guide 2019
    • Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide 2018
    • Hiking Holiday Gift Guide 2017
  • Reviews/Gear
    • Storing Your Bear Canister When Backpacking
    • Stay Kühl This Summer
    • Outdoor Herbivore Backpacking Food Review
    • Osprey Aura AG 65 Backpack review
    • Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 review
    • REI Quarter Dome 1 review
  • Adventure Stories
    • Hiking The Rae Lakes Loop
    • 110 Miles on the PCT
    • Three Fingered Jack Adventures
    • Jefferson Wilderness
  • Home
  • *Store*
  • About the author
  • How to use this site
  • Resources
    • Wildflowers
    • Videos
  • Best Oregon Hikes
    • Top Fall Foliage Hikes In Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Fall Hikes
    • 20 Best Oregon Waterfall Hikes
    • Top 10 Oregon Hikes for Kids
    • Sno-Parks In Central Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Winter Hikes
    • Top Low Elevation Winter Hikes
    • 9 Amazing Oregon Summit Hikes
    • 20 Central Oregon Day Hikes
    • 20 Epic Oregon Wildflower Hikes
    • 5 Weekend Backpacking Trips in Oregon
    • Top One Night Backpacking Trips in Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Summer Hikes
    • Top 10 Swimming Spots In Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Spring Hikes
  • Oregon Sno-Parks
    • Maxwell Sno-Park
    • Potato Hill Sno-Park
    • Ray Benson Sno-Park
      • Brandenburg Shelter
    • Santiam Sno-Park
    • Three Creek Sno-Park
    • Virginia Meissner Sno-Park
      • Meissner Shelter Loop
      • Nordeen Shelter
    • Gold Lake Sno-Park
      • Westview Shelter to Eagle Rock Overlook
      • Marilyn Lakes Loop
  • Southern Washington
    • Hamilton Mountain
    • Dog Mountain
    • Coyote Wall
    • Mount St. Helens
  • Portland
    • Powell Butte
    • Forest Park
    • Latourell Falls
    • Multnomah/Wahkeena Falls
    • Eagle Creek
    • Mitchell Point
    • Table Rock
    • Tamanawas Falls
    • Trillium Lake
    • East Zigzag Mountain (members only)
  • Salem
    • Abiqua Falls
    • Silver Falls State Park
    • Dome Rock
    • Marion Lake to Marion Mountain
    • Jefferson Park
  • Corvallis
    • Marys Peak East Ridge
    • Marys Peak North Ridge
    • Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls
    • Corvallis to Sea Trail - Sugarbowl Creek segment (members only)
  • Sweet Home
    • Crescent Mountain
    • Iron Mountain
    • McDowell Creek Falls
    • Middle Santiam River (members only)
    • Lower Soda Creek Falls (members only)
    • Rooster Rock (members only)
  • McKenzie Bridge/Blue River
    • Macduff Mountain
    • Proxy Falls
    • Clear Lake
    • Sahalie/Koosah Falls
    • Blue Pool
    • Erma Bell Lakes
    • Olallie Mountain
    • Horsepasture Mountain
    • Tidbits Mountain
    • Castle Rock
    • Lowder Mountain (members only)
    • East Fork Trail (members only)
    • Rainbow Falls Overlook (members only)
    • Frissell Point (members only)
    • Chucksney Mountain (members only)
    • Substitute Point (members only)
  • Sisters/Santiam Pass
    • Coffin Mountain
    • Trappers Butte and Scar Mountain
    • Maxwell Butte
    • Black Butte
    • Whychus Creek Trail
    • Tam McArthur Rim
    • Black Crater
    • Scott Mountain
    • Obsidian Trail
    • Metolius Preserve
    • Three Fingered Jack Loop
    • Square Lake
    • Canyon Creek Meadows
    • Patjens Lakes
    • Craig Lake (members only)
    • Chush Falls (members only)
    • Rockpile Lake (members only)
    • Santiam Lake (members only)
    • Camp Lake (members only)
    • Park Meadow to Golden Lake (members only)
  • Bend/Redmond/LaPine
    • Steins Pillar
    • Chimney Rock
    • Steelhead Falls
    • Tumalo State Park
    • Shevlin Park Loop
    • Tumalo Falls
    • Tumalo Mountain
    • No Name Lake
    • Green Lakes
    • Moraine Lake
    • South Sister Summit
    • Horse Lake
    • Muskrat Lake
    • Paulina Peak
    • Peter Skene Ogden Trail (members only)
  • Eugene
    • Ridgeline Trail
    • Mount Pisgah Summit
    • Mount Pisgah Arboretum
    • Shotgun Creek
    • Mount June
    • Lawler
    • Tire Mountain
    • Goodman Creek
    • Brice Creek
    • Trestle Creek Falls
    • Parker Falls
    • Moon Falls
    • Elijah Bristow State Park
    • South Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Eula Ridge (members only)
    • Eagle's Rest (members only)
  • Oakridge
    • Deception Creek
    • North Salmon Creek
    • Grasshopper Ridge
    • Larison Creek
    • Bunchgrass Ridge
    • Salt Creek Falls
    • Waldo Lake Loop
    • South Waldo Loop
    • The Twins
    • Rosary Lakes
    • Yoran Lake
    • Fawn Lake
    • Windy Lakes
    • Divide Lake
    • Diamond Peak Summit
    • Cowhorn Mountain
    • Wall Creek Warm Springs (members only)
    • Moon Point (members only)
    • Bobby Lake (members only)
    • Lillian Falls (members only)
    • Middle Fork Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Pool Creek Falls (members only)
    • Dead Mountain (members only)
    • Larison Rock (members only)
    • Quinn Lakes & Eddeeleo Lakes (members only)
    • Waldo Mountain Lookout (members only)
    • Blair Lake to Spring Prairie (members only)
    • Rigdon Lakes loop (members only)
  • Oregon Coast
    • Cascade Head
    • Drift Creek Falls
    • Sweet Creek Falls
    • Beaver Creek Falls
    • Kentucky Falls
    • Hobbit Trail to Heceta Head
    • Valley Trail to China Creek
    • Sutton Creek Trail (members only)
    • North Fork Smith River (members only)
    • Cummins Ridge (member's only)
    • Horse Creek (members only)
    • Siltcoos Lake (members only)
  • Southern Oregon
    • Fall Creek Falls
    • Watson Falls
    • Wild Rogue Loop
    • Mt. Thielsen
    • Crater Lake National Park
      • The Watchman
      • Mount Scott
      • The Pinnacles
    • Lower Table Rock
    • Pilot Rock
    • Wagner Butte
    • Mt. McLoughlin
    • Lemolo Falls (members only)
    • Fern Falls (members only)
  • Eastern Oregon
    • Painted Cove
    • Anthony Lake Loop
    • Mount Howard
    • Eagle Cap summit
    • Schneider Cabin (members only)
    • Strawberry Lake & Strawberry Falls (members only)
  • Oregon PCT sections
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Leave No Trace
    • How To Pick The Right Backpacking Tent
    • Top Tips For Hiking With Infants And Toddlers
    • Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac
    • How to dress for cold weather hikes
    • Outdoorsy Holiday Gift Guide 2022
    • Hiker Holiday Gift Guide 2019
    • Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide 2018
    • Hiking Holiday Gift Guide 2017
  • Reviews/Gear
    • Storing Your Bear Canister When Backpacking
    • Stay Kühl This Summer
    • Outdoor Herbivore Backpacking Food Review
    • Osprey Aura AG 65 Backpack review
    • Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 review
    • REI Quarter Dome 1 review
  • Adventure Stories
    • Hiking The Rae Lakes Loop
    • 110 Miles on the PCT
    • Three Fingered Jack Adventures
    • Jefferson Wilderness

Top 15 One Night Backpacking Trips in Oregon

​
There are many places to backpack in Oregon, however it isn't always easy for folks to be able to take multiple days off work to go on an extensive backpacking trip. Here are the top 15 hikes in Oregon where you can hike in, spend the night and hike out the next day, and still be able to experience some of the hidden gems that the Oregon wilderness has to offer!

1) Russell Lake at Jefferson Park

Mt. Jefferson from Whitewater Trail
Bays Lake at Jefferson Park
Mt. Jefferson and Russell Lake
CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO 2020 WILDFIRE!
​Closest town
: 
Detroit
Trail type: Out and back
Mileage: 12.5 round trip w/ 2,600 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Moderate (large rocks on the Whitewater trail with some exposure).
Trail usage: Heavy on weekends
Where to set up your tent: Russell Lake (there are 4 designated campsites around the lake. If they are full, head over to Scout Lake or Bays Lake where you will find 20 campsites around those two lakes).
About the hike: This 6.25 mile hike to Russell Lake from the Whitewater trailhead, does gain significant elevation on a rocky trail. Once the Whitewater trail connects with the Pacific Crest Trail, the hike gets easier, and you can enjoy the beautiful vast views of lakes and Mt. Jefferson. At Russell Lake you can pick from 4 very private camp sites, and enjoy watching the sun set and the moon rise over the mountain. 
(Click here to read more about this hike and to get directions)

2) Battle Ax Mountain to Twin Lakes

Mt. Jefferson and Elk Lake from Battle Axe trail
Upper Twin Lake
Summit of Battle Ax Mountain with view of Mt. Jefferson
CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO 2020 WILDFIRE!
​Closest town
:
 Detroit
Trail type: Out and back with a small loop
Mileage: 12.7 miles round trip w/ 3,480 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: ​Moderate (parts of the trail are rocky with extreme side-hill exposure).
Trail usage: Low to medium
Where to set up your tent: Upper Twin Lake (there is only room for 2-3 tents at the lake).
About the hike: This 6.3 mile hike to Upper Twin Lake, will take you up to the scenic viewpoint of Battle Ax Mountain, where you get 360 degree views of the Cascade mountains and the valley. Then the trail takes you down to beautiful Upper Twin Lake, where you can spend the night and watch the sunset on the surrounding hills.
(Click here to read more about this hike and to get directions- this post is for members only, you can purchase the seasonal membership for $9.99)

3) Green Lakes

Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor from the Green Lakes trail
Green Lake and South Sister
Green Lake and Broken Top
Closest town: Bend
Trail type: Out and back with a small loop
Mileage: 11.25 miles round trip w/ 1,660 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Easy (the majority of the trail is even and dusty, with minimal rocks and roots, no steep grade and no exposure).
Trail usage: Heavy on the weekends, very low on weekdays
Where to set up your tent: Any of the three Green Lakes have spots for camping. The upper Green Lake is very beautiful and has plenty of spots for camping. 
About the hike: This hike is very easy and perfect for a small backpacking trip with your kids, or for experiencing backpacking for the first time. The trail is not technical, not steep and it offers amazing views. You can choose to set up your tent at any of the three lakes. The lower one is quite small and not very private. The largest lake has a few semi-private spots, however the top lake is small, but it has the most private camp sites. Once you set up your camp, you can explore around the lakes, check out the hidden waterfall coming from the SE flanks of South Sister, or just go for an afternoon swim. 
(Click here to read more about the hike and to get directions)

4) Park Meadow to Golden Lake

Park Meadow and Broken Top
Park Meadow trail through the Pole Creek Burn area
Stream at Park Meadow
Closest town: ​Sisters
Trail type: Out and back
Mileage: ​13.4 miles round trip w/ 2,010 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Easy to moderate (the trail is very dusty due to a fire that burned this area a few years ago. There are no rocks or roots until you begin your short climb up to Golden Lake. There is no exposure).
Trail usage: Moderate on weekends, very low on weekdays 
Where to set up your tent: Golden Lake (there are plenty of different places you can set up your tent near Golden Lake. Do not camp on the meadow as it is very fragile). 
About the hike: From the trailhead it is 6.4 miles up to Golden Lake. You will pass through the Pole Creek burn area, Park Meadow with a creek crossing, and then head up to Golden Lake. If you camp at the lake in late July you will be greeted by a gorgeous sight of a yellow flowering meadow with the lake in the middle, however during this time you will also get swarmed by mosquitoes. The best time to backpack to Golden Lake is end of August or in the month of September. 
(Click here to read more about this hike and to get directions- this post is for members only, you can purchase the seasonal membership for $9.99)

5) Timpanogas Lake to Cowhorn Mountain Loop

Indigo Lake and Sawtooth Mountain
Cowhorn Mountain from the Pacific Crest Trail
Closest town: ​Crescent
Trail type: Loop
Mileage: ​12.2 miles round trip w/ 3,040 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Moderate (the trail through the forest is fairly easy, however once you get up near Cowhorn Mountain the terrain is rocky and if you climb Cowhorn, there will be steep exposure on both sides of the ridge).
Trail usage: Low
Where to set up your tent: Indigo Lake or up near Sawtooth Mountain (Indigo Lake has designated camping spots, however it is only a few miles into the hike. If you are wanting to hike a bit further and get a view, back-country camp up near Sawtooth Mountain).
About the hike: ​This loop offers a variety of terrain from forested lakes, to the peaks of Sawtooth Mountain and Cowhorn Mountain. If you choose to take the side trip off the loop trail up the spine of Cowhorn Mountain, you will get 360 degree views of the Diamond Peak Wilderness and the many lakes below. 
(Click here to read more about the hike and to get directions)
Cowhorn Mountain summit

6) Moraine Lake 

Moraine Lake and South Sister
South Sister from the South Sister climber trail
Moraine Lake and Broken Top from the South Sister climber trail
Closest town: ​Bend
Trail type: Out and back
Mileage: 6.25 miles round trip w/ 1,845 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Easy (the entire trail is a dusty dry terrain, there are a few roots during the first mile with some steep grade, but there is zero exposure on this hike).
Trail usage: Medium to heavy on weekends, low on weekdays
Where to set up your tent: Moraine Lake (There are a few campsites in the trees on the hill right above the lake. Do not put your tent on the grass right by the lake, as this is a very fragile landscape). 
About the hike: This is the perfect hike to take your kids on, especially if it is their first backpacking trip. It is only 3.1 miles to Moraine Lake where you will set up camp. From here you can swim in the lake on a hot summer day, or you can go down the trail and explore if you want to get a few extra miles in. This area is absolutely breathtaking, and watching the sun set to the left of South Sister is amazing!
(Click here to read more about the hike and to get directions)

7) Waldo Mountain Lookout

Waldo Lake Wilderness sign
Waldo Mountain lookout hut
Waldo Lake and the Three Sisters from Waldo Mountain lookout
Closest town: ​Oakridge
Trail type: Loop
Mileage: 8.8 miles round trip w/ 2,520 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Easy to moderate (the majority of the trail is very easy, however the last mile to the lookout hut is rocky and there is some side exposure).
Trail usage: Light
Where to set up your tent: You can sleep inside the hut if it is open, or you can set up your tent next to the lookout hut.
About the hike: This loop hike is for the person who wants to be in a more isolated area. You will not see many people on this hike! It is almost exactly 4.4 miles to the top of Waldo Mountain where you can sleep inside the hut, or set up your tent nearby. On the way to the hut you can take a side trip and check out some lakes, and walk through beautiful wildflower meadows. From the top of Waldo Mountain you will get great views of Waldo Lake and the Three Sisters. 
(Click here to read more about this hike and to get directions- this post is for members only, you can purchase the seasonal membership for $9.99)

8) Broken Top to No Name Lake

Approaching the Broken Top crater
No Name Lake in the crater of Broken Top
No Name Lake
Closest town: ​Bend
Trail type: Out and back
Mileage: 13.25 miles round trip w/ 2,430 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Moderate (the trail is mostly dusty, no roots or large rocks until about 2 miles from the lake. There you start to encounter rocks on the trail, and there is a creek bed that you have to hike up through in order to get up to the lake). 
Trail usage: Heavy on weekends, light on weekdays
Where to set up your tent: No Name Lake (There is plenty of space to camp anywhere nearby the lake. You can set up your tent on the small hills surrounding the lake, or you can camp closer to the lake. Please do not put your tent on top of any wild flowers).
About the hike: This is one of the most unique hikes in Oregon, and also one of the most popular trails. There is a shorter trail that leads to the Broken Top crater, which means you get all of the people who are just up there to put their flamingo floaties in the water and take some pictures for Instagram. So take the longer trail up, make a day of it, and arrive a bit later once the crowds have dispersed. Once it is evening and you have set up your tent, there won't be any people up there anymore, and you will get epic views of that blue-green water, and the star filled sky!
(Click here to read more about the hike and to get directions)

9) Santiam Lake

Upper Berley Lake
Mt. Washington from the Santiam Lake trail
Santiam Lake and Three Finger Jack
Closest town: ​Sisters
Trail type: Out and back with small loop around the lake
Mileage: 12.5 miles round trip w/ 1,400 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Easy (the trail has no big rocks or roots and zero exposure).
Trail usage: Light to medium
Where to set up your tent: Santiam Lake (there are many spots by the lake for setting up camp).
About the hike: This is a perfect easy trip to take with your kids. It is a very easy 6 miles to Santiam Lake. Once at the lake you will have amazing views of Three Finger Jack, and plenty of camp site choices. If you wanted to make this a longer weekend trip, there are many trails that you can take from Santiam Lake that you can explore and head to other lakes like Duffy and Mowich Lake and Marion Lake.
(Click here to read more about this hike and to get directions- this post is for members only, you can purchase the seasonal membership for $9.99)

10) Erma Bell Lakes Loop

William Lake from Erma Bell Lakes loop
Middle Erma Bell Lake
Otter Lake from Erma Bell Lakes loop trail
​Closest town: McKenzie Bridge or Oakridge (it is the same distance between the two)
Trail type: Loop
Mileage: 9 miles round trip w/ 1,920 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Easy to moderate (most of the trail is even grade, little to no rocks, some small creek crossings, no exposure).
Trail usage: Light to medium
Where to set up your tent: Any of the lakes (all of the lakes have places to set up your tent, however Williams Lake is the best camping spot and the prettiest lake).
About the hike: This is a great loop to take for someone who loves to fish. All of the Erma Bell Lakes and Williams Lake have abundant fish. These forested lakes are all very beautiful, tucked away in the Waldo Lake Wilderness. From your camp you can take a little excursion and head a few miles up Irish Mountain to catch a sunrise view of the Cascade Mountains.
(Click here to read more about the hike and to get directions)

11) PCT- Santiam Pass to Rockpile Lake

Three Finger Jack from the Pacific Crest Trail
Wasco Lake viewpoint from Minto Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail
Rockpile Lake along the Pacific Crest Trail
Closest town: ​Sisters
Trail type: Out and back
Mileage: 26.6 miles round trip w/ 2,850 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Difficult (most of the trail is rocky and if the blow downs haven't been cleared yet, you will likely be stepping over quite a few logs. There is side exposure on a few sections of this hike). 
Trail usage: Medium on weekends, light on weekdays
Where to set up your tent: Rockpile Lake (there are a few different areas around the lake where you can set up your tent. There is enough flat ground for about 10 tents).
About the hike: This 13.3 mile section is one of the most scenic parts of the Oregon Pacific Crest Trail. You will hike through some burned forest, green forest, on a ridge right at the tree-line, and past beautiful turquoise lakes. You will also be able to see vast wild valleys below, and then you will get to Rockpile Lake, which is nicely tucked away along a hillside. 
(Click here to read more about the hike and to get directions)

12) Scott Trail to Obsidian Loop

North and Middle Sister from Scott Trail
North Sister approaching Obie Dilldock Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail
Sister Spring in the Obsidian Limited Entry Area along the Pacific Crest Trail
Closest town: ​Sisters
Trail type: Loop
Mileage: 17.4 miles round trip w/ 3,570 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Moderate to difficult (there are many sections on this hike that go through lava flows which are extremely difficult to hike through and some are also very steep. There is limited exposure on this hike). 
Trail usage: Medium to heavy during the weekend, light to medium during the week
Where to set up your tent: There are multiple places along this loop where you can set up your tent and spend the night. The most magical place to stay is at Sister Spring, however it is in the middle of the Obsidian Limited Entry Area, so if you choose to sleep here, you will need to first purchase a permit online).
About the hike: This loop is one of the most popular backpacking loops in the Three Sisters area, and for good reason. The views of the mountains are endless, and you will get to experience hiking over lava flows and some obsidian. You will see a few fresh springs that offer refreshing water and lush green meadows. Once you are in the Obsidian Limited Entry Area, you will even get to see a rare alpine waterfall. 
(Click here to read more about the hike and to get directions)

13) South Waldo Lake 

Huge old growth trees along the South Waldo Lake trail
Waldo Lake's South end
Beautiful meadows along the South Waldo Lake trail
Closest town: ​Oakridge
Trail type: Loop
Mileage: 10.2 miles round trip w/ 2,130 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: ​Easy (most of the hike is in the woods and through meadows, no rocks, steep grade or exposure).
Trail usage: Low
Where to set up your tent: At the shelter or in one of the many beautiful meadows
About the hike: This hike is a fairly easy lollipop loop. You can make this an extremely short hike by only hiking in 1.7 miles to the shelter and camping there and spend the day swimming at the nearby shores of Waldo Lake. This is perfect if you have small children. The entire loop offers beautiful forests, with a few very large old growth trees, and many vast golden meadows. This hike is great for late summer and early fall.
(Click here to read more about the hike and to get directions)

14) Camp Lake

Camp Lake and South Sister
Three Sisters Wilderness sign
North Sister and Middle Sister from Camp Lake
Closest town: ​Sisters
Trail type: Out and back
Mileage: 14 miles round trip w/ 2,430 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: ​Moderate to difficult (the trail at first is very sandy, then you will hike through a forest, and as you get higher in elevation the trail becomes very rocky and there is one river crossing that you have to navigate). 
Trail usage: Low
Where to set up your tent: Camp Lake (there are multiple flat spots without rocks where you can camp around the lake).
About the hike: This is one of the best hikes in the Three Sisters area but not nearly as popular as some of the others due to the terrain being a bit more difficult. Most of the trail is fairly rocky and there are a few large creek crossings that you must do before getting to the plateau from which you can see expansive views of all three of the Sisters. Camp Lake is one of the smaller Chambers Lakes, but it offers a sandy beach and an ice cave on the opposite side.
(Click here to read more about this hike and to get directions- this post is for members only, you can purchase the seasonal membership for $9.99)

15) PCT- Willamette Pass to Bobby Lake

Middle Rosary Lake and Pulpit Rock
Rosary Lakes, Odell Lake and Summit Lake from the Pacific Crest Trail
Bobby Lake at sunset
Closest town: Oakridge
Trail type: Out and back
Mileage: 20 miles round trip w/ 1,520 ft. elevation gain
Terrain difficulty: Easy (the entire trail is a gentle grade mostly through trees. There is one spot that offers a bit of exposure and a view, but you will not be navigating any large rocks in the trail).
Trail usage: Medium 
Where to set up your tent: Bobby Lake (there are a few camp spots at Bobby Lake. The best site is closest to the swimming rock if you head around the lake to the right and hike about 1/4 of a mile).
About the hike: This is one of the easiest Pacific Crest Trail access points in Oregon, and many people utilize it as a gateway to get to some of the most beautiful alpine lakes. This 10 mile section of trail takes you past all three Rosary Lakes, Pulpit Rock, and then up and over a crest where you can see as far as Summit Lake. After passing Maiden Peak Ski Shelter, you will be in a green tunnel of trees for a while before coming to the Bobby Lake turn-off. Once you see Bobby Lake, you will never want to leave!
Directions: From the town of Eugene take Hwy. 58 60 miles to Willamette Pass. Turn at the Pacific Crest Trail sign where you will see a large parking lot with a pit toilet next to the snow plow building. 
(Click here to read more about the hike)

​​*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: The trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes. ​​
© Hike Oregon 2023
P.O. Box 41911
​Eugene, OR 97404
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