Summit Lake - East Mountain Biking Trail - Oregon - Trailforks Access to the campground is rough in good conditions, and excessive rain may make the road impassible, not to mention snow. There are dispersed campsites around the lake as well. The ideal time to visit Summit Lake is early September, after Labor Day, when the weather is warm enough for swimming but the nights are cool enough to eliminate mosquitoes. We hit the trail with high spirits just after 8 am. In particular, NF-398 from Crescent Lake to Summit Lake will take time to drive. (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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Suite A ", Diamond Peak, South Approach; Overview Map, Diamond Peak from East shore of Odell Lake, Alex pointing out the cairn marking the Climber's Trail, Summit Lake (looking south) from the Climber's Trail, One of many cairns along the Climbers Trail, Panorama from the false summit (looking north to the true summit), Images NF-2154, and becomesNF-215. In addition to the recreational opportunities on Summit Lake, the campground is just steps away from the Pacific Crest Trail and the hike to Diamond Peak and Marie and Rockpile Lakes. Of the three lakes featured here, Waldo is the most famous, developed and consequently crowded. Summit Lake: a beckoning hideaway in Oregon Cascades There is a lot of wildlife here and in fall it is a popular hunting area. (view looking south of the false summit from the spine), (view to the north from Diamond Peak summit). For this story, Im spotlighting my three favorite lakes in the area Timpanogas, Summit and Waldo. So take these recommendations with a grain of salt and call the Middle Fork Ranger Station(541-782-2283) in advance to check conditions. It was challenging enough to feel satisfying and a perfect way to introduce others to the outdoors. Photos (131) Directions. 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. Ashland. You'll pass by a water tank and the road becomes dirt. Theres something unique about camping on an island, and Summit Lake is a near-perfect place to experience it. mining), to Sumpter. Continue on 42 to Forest Road 4200-141. This 106-mile loop is a voyage through gold booms, ghost towns and the Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted. Elevation: 3,100' gain, 2,700' loss. La Grande, OR 97850 Further, and rather unfortunately, many of these pullouts have a close perimeter of human waste left by campers too lazy to bring a shovel. Boat ramp. 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. up with the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway at the North Fork John Day Campground. ( During good water When Forest Road 73 ends Summit Lake - East Details. And nows a good timeto explore the iconic mountain lakes and trails near Oakridge. But the most endearing characteristic may be the many small islands that rest just off shore all the way around the lake. Mt. Hood National Forest - Summit Lake Campground - US Forest Service values, and is a popular destination for outdoor people. Coordinates: 43.46253, -122.13376 Waldo Lake Oregon" (pop. ), ontoOR-138 W and stay on this road for 9.4 miles. It connects the Cowhorn Creek Trail to Summit Lake. After 2 rough miles, the trailhead will be on your left. 3 talking about this. Thielsen and Summit Lake where you came from. Island camping: There are many boat-in campsites where its possible to make camp via canoe or kayak. State. It has great flow when ridden from south to north. There is very little ground vegetation some of which consists of dwarf huckleberry. For the way down, be careful to not go the wrong way. Looking for a real escape? Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Thankfully James' Subaru Outback handled it without problems (we went slow, it was brand spanking new). Take the exit and at the stop sign turn left. Valley in the Baker City area to mine gold. Thanked: 183 times in 105 posts. Leg 3 (Climber's Trail) would be the "toughest section." Fishing, from what I was told, is not good here. Eugene visitors have the option of accessing NF-398 from the south side of the lake via NF-2154 and NF-21, which begins east of Oakridge. Both the North Powder River (#1632) and Summit Lake Trails (#1635) begin at this trailhead. 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. Enjoy this 5.8-mile out-and-back trail near Crescent, Oregon. Enjoy this 10.0-mile out-and-back trail near Camp Sherman, Oregon. It is not a bad climb if ridden from north to south either. The rest of the hike would definitely be rated easy to moderate. in the valley, head south to Haines, the "biggest little town in Elevation: 3,100' gain, 2,700' loss. The path is well worn and becomes clear; however you may opt for talus-hopping as it may make for faster travel. Turn, ontoNF-2612 for 1.2 miles. To be sure, there are plenty of pullouts along the primitive roads that follow the north and west shores, but most are in the dense lodgepole and ponderosa growth and miss the sun. 770 for another 2 miles. General Information Directions: From Sandy, OR - follow Highway 26 south approximately to Primary Forest Route 42. That particular trip was my first to the Cascades and Oregon. Diamond Peak Via Pacific Crest Trail. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Follow this road and signs for Summit Lake about 6.5 miles to a major (but barely marked) junction. Summit Lake Campground is the little campground that could. All loaded up, I pushed off from the shoreline and onto the water. Trailhead coordinates: 34.12509, -118.63485 (34 07 30.32N 118 38 05.46W) View Santa Monica Mountains in a larger map. Butisland camping alsocanbe lonely, especially on a solo trip, without even the mainland chipmunks around to keep you company. Day Stats: Distance ~ 10.5 miles. Turn, /US Frst Service Rd. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation." Three campgrounds on the shore offer quiet, peaceful places for families, friends and couples. PCT thru-hikers have said that the mosquitoes at Summit Lake are some of the worst they have ever experienced! There are other routes (to the summit in general) and to Summit Lake/trailhead, but the closest was from the east which is why I chose Crescent Lake as our frontcountry access point. 30 to reach Baker City. The jagged People do catch brook trout here, but theyre small and a challenge to hook given the clear water. Ten miles down the road, gold was discovered in Bull Run Creek in 1862, and the town of Granite sprang up. Summit Lake Campground is not operated by Hipcamp and can only be booked externally. Follow this paved road 32 miles. Mountain biking the trail that circles the lake also is popular, as is hiking to various spots in the Waldo Lake Wilderness. It is rated 'very difficult' only because there is route finding involved near the top as well as maneuvering around the spine's rock spires. Dipping into the best of Oregon's mountain lakes All rights reserved. More than 23 miles of trail surround the lake. The Summit Lake Campground is a great base for exploration. They are basalt boulders capped with enough topsoil to support the native flora, each its own little Cascade terrain. 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. 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. Exposure on the summit but otherwise forested. Escape to three of Oregon's most beautiful lakes this September Wallowa-Whitman National Forest - Summit Lake Trailhead Keep in mind this area is infested with mosquitoes from mid-June to mid-August. Back to camp. Turn right for half a mile. Directions: There are two routes from Willamette Pass Highway 58 in Oakridge. 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. The first thing that grabs your attention about Summit Lake is the clarity of the water. and '49 Jimmie, whose only companion was a rooster with whom he shared This is the last push to the false summit. For details, see this story on the best routes up Diamond Peak. Background on Diamond Peak can be found at Summit Posts' very helpfulpage. 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. 44125 North Santiam Highway SE With a population of 130, Sumpter is a shadow of Clarkston, WA 99403 46375 Highway 58 Best Time to Visit: Summer and Fall; Between Granite It's much steeper going than the PCT was, but its solidly within Class I territory. Follow the road along the ridge, passing by a few scattered oaks and willows. Hard 4.4 (40) Deschutes National Forest. years, the Powder is an excellent fishery for stocked and native rainbow As we neared treeline things got more scrubby and we kept an eye out for the cairn which would mark our junction with the Climber's Trail. Crystal-clear water shimmers sapphire blue in the shadow of Diamond Peak at a lake that isnt more crowded due to the awful drive to reach it,and thick mosquitoes present until September. Diamond Peak, southern route via Crescent/Summit Lakes 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. The weather continued to be perfect so we didn't feel rushed. Primitive campground. Alex, his first trip of the type, was incredulous that a "pile of rocks which would easily be knocked over by an animal" would serve as our navigational guide. Once you get back down to the PCT it is easy cruising though. Turn left onto the access road and follow the road to the right. Its three sites offer only picnic tables and fire pits; the campground has a single vault toilet and an unimproved boat ramp in the middle; accessing the campground from any direction is a difficult prospect requiring a high-clearance, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle; and finally, when you are there at the wrong time of year, the mosquitoes can become absolutely terrible. until you reach Baker City. 541-962-8500, 201 East Second St. For details on the route, buy the book "100 Hikes in the Willamette Cascades" by William Sullivan. to a downhill ski resort that's served up great powder since 1933. It was my first attempt at planning an entire trip's travel and logistics, route planning, escape/medical considerations, food/water/gear planning for people (my experience thus far has been as a soloist). Summit Lake | Outdoor Project From the junction the climber trail immediately starts going steeply uphill. If you have the misfortune of arriving before the mosquitoes have left, all the water clarity, Cascade views, pristine wilderness, and incredible sunsets wont mean a thing; the predominant memory will be of trill, bloodthirsty, aerial mobs. Summit to Summit Run/Walk Event - Home - Facebook all his meals. Road & Weather Conditions Map | TripCheck - Oregon Traveler Information Zach Urness has been an outdoors writer, photographer and videographer in Oregon for nine years. South Sister : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost Copyright 2023. From Backcountry sites. the town had 15 saloons, three newspapers, and an opera house. Sweet Home, OR 97386 By the time evening arrived, Id arranged a nice place for reading and star-watching. Personally, I love bringing a hammock, lunch and book to Indigo. The "Wild and Scenic" John Day River is recognized for outstanding Turn off PCT to the unmarked "Climber's Trail" to the false summit then summit. Diamond Peak sits within the Diamond Peak Wilderness which is part of Willamette National Forest. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest and past many small ponds. The only campground on Summit Lake. "Money itself is worth far more than anything you could possibly buy with it. on official, secure websites. As a bonus, Odell and Crescent Lakes are nearby for frontcountry access and stagingpurposes(I chose Crescent Lake for this trip). 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. 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. Hike to Wildhorse Lake, Princeton, Oregon - The Outbound 21 for 0.5 miles, then turn, /US Frst Service Rd. Diamond Peak: Central or Southern Cascades? Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. I loved the beauty and solitude of the area and it's an easy drive from Eugene (where Alex lives), which allows easy access. Summit Lake, which alsoishome to a boat ramp, outhouse and small campground, is a classic high-risk, high-reward outdoor experience. Summit Lake Trail In the Oregon Cascades Recreation Area, this trail begins from the Summit Lake Trailhead on Forest Road 6010, crosses Windy Lakes Trail #50, and ends at the Oldenberg Lake Trail #45. In fact, you may just sit in your parked car after your long, slow, and bumpy drive, wondering about your next move as you hear a disembodied, psychotic whine and note the mosquito clouds that float themselves against your windows like millions of minute zombies hungry for human flesh. Crowds: Moderate. It was at this point we saw the first other people since the cabin at Crescent Lake; a small group of day hikers were making their way down "skiing" down the scree field (looked way more fun than trodding up). Go island camping at spectacular lake hidden in Oregon mountains Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 2 min to complete. 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. Backcountry travel ethics and Leave No Trace principles apply, of course. An official website of the Still hadn't run into anyone else on the trail. The lake, second in size to Crater Lake, allows no motorized boats, giving kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, etc. The Anthony Lake area is also home Situated in Kalmath National Forest right on Oregon's southern border, this remote dispersed campground is close to the Pacific Crest Trail and Mt. 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). The Elkhorn Drive 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. Fire restrictions stillwerein place, so I was without a campfire, which is just as well since Id need to haul out wood from the mainland. Its three sites offer only picnic tables and fire pits; the campground has a single vault toilet and an unimproved boat ramp in the middle; accessing the campground from any direction is a difficult prospect requiring a high-clearance, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle; and finally, when you are there at the wrong time of . We reached the summit about 3:30 pm, took our pictures and put our names in the summit register. Directions: From Oakridge, continue east on Highway 58 for 1.8 miles to a Hills Creek Dam sign between mileposts 37 and 38. website belongs to an official government organization in the 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Oregon Route 138 - Wikipedia Follow this road and signs for Summit Lake about 6.5 miles to a major (but barely marked) junction. It wasnt much less than an acre in size but it had character. I have a 2006 DR-Z400s and . At the fringe of treeline the climb turns into its steepest part (and a solid Class II) but there's still good footing. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. 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. All Rights Reserved. Hike up South Sister (10,358 ft.), Oregon's third tallest mountain, for incredible views and a great introduction to high-altitude hiking. Please post partners requests and trip plans in the, "Most people are other people. (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. Three miles past Indigo Springs Campground, turn left on Timpanogas Road 2154. Its about nourishment and learning. Occasionally Diamond Peak would come into view, peeking through the trees, a concrete reminder of our goal. Map Information, See accessible adventures at Detroit Lake & the McKenzie River Valley, Supervisor's Office Your personal car/vehicle situation will largely determine this. After the less-than-enjoyable drive, I arrived at Summit Lake and got my first view. They said Summit Lake gets a fair amount of visitors on August and September weekendsbut stays mostly quiet mid-week. . At a Glance Activities Bicycling Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Try this 13.8-mile out-and-back trail near Crescent, Oregon. 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 and more popular Crescent Lake. Try driving here in a low-clearance vehicle and your muffler might fall off. 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. the late 1800s, Baker City was dubbed the Queen City of the Mines. Road to Summit Lake Near Diamond Peak Oregon. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Warner Mountains : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering - SummitPost Length 13.8 miElevation gain 3,336 ftRoute type Out & back. 1 post Page 1 of 1. Some of the islands are too small for campsites, but after boating around for less than 45 minutes, I pulled to the rocky shore of a promising patch of land. Oregon Department of Transportation. Bachelor in the distance to the north. No deviations from scouting report. Uncrowded. 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. Detroit, OR 97342 Gorgeous Cascade lake. Even with these high clearance cars the 6 miles will likely take about 45 minutes to 1 . It is the primary route between the Willamette Valley and south-central Oregon, including the Klamath Falls region. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. This trip, perhaps not very notable for much of the community here at Summit Post, was special to me for a few reasons. east and climbs its apex at Elkhorn Mountain Summit (7,392 ft.). 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. United States government. 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. On a clear day, you can see more than 150 feet deep in the lakes sapphire waters the deepest point is 420 feet. Emily Exit). (Total of 41.1 miles. All three selections here are fairly wild and camping-centric, but you can also get a more civilized experience at Crescent Lake and Odell Lake resorts. A five-pound and Anthony Lake (D to F) the road is often closed until July due to snow. United States. Map showing recreational areas. This trailhead provides access for the Pacific Crest Trail at Summit Lake. Anthony Lake, the Byway descends abruptly, capturing superb views of the There are probably better ways to spend a day, but I cant think of any. Beautiful views. Follow this paved road 32 miles. Summit Lake Campground | Outdoor Project Its about nourishment and learning. Please consider the weather when making your plans. Download Our New Official Recreation App! We found a nice already well established campsite at Rockpile lake and in the interest of time decided not to continue to Marie Lake but quick pitched our tents, had a quick lunch, drop unnecessary gear and head to the summit. (Unfortunately, this has become an issue around Summit Lake.) 1935 is on display in a park at the edge of town; it's rumored to be haunted There are a few different routes up the mountain, but the route starting at Summit Lake is by far the easiest. Country. Turn left on gravel Road 15 for 10. . Even though this is the Pacific Crest Trail, besides the few weeks that the bubble of thru-hikers come through, this area is not as well traveled as some other areas in Central Oregon because it is so remote. Follow this paved road half a mile and then turn right onto FSR 21. 541-822-3381, Middle Fork Ranger District Hipcamp is working closely with the government to allow bookings here asap. 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. Information you share may be used to update trail conditions on the website. Coordinates: 43.46253, -122.13376 ADVENTURES NEAR SUMMIT LAKE The Elkhorn Byway soon meets No one? No fee is required to hike/climb/camp, but a backcountry/day use permit ("self serve," free, filled out at trailhead) was required. Thank You! 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. Scouting photos and logs show a non technical hike with maybe some Class II/III route finding towards the summit. I lay in the sun and read, then take a chilly dip when it gets warm. Leaving enchanting natural beauty of the Elkhorn Mountains. Share sensitive information only (view of Summit Lake, Cowhorn Mountain, Sawtooth Mountain & Mount Thielsen). All Rights Reserved. It serves as a trailhead for both the Summit Lake and North Powder River Trails. Theres something unique about camping on an island. Many crossovers/CUVs/light SUVs could probably handle the road but just be aware: it's not a matter of traction (having AWD). Planned for night temps to low 40s. 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. 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. We left camp about 11:30 am (didn't note the time we arrived Rockpile Lake) heading East on the short Marie Lake Trail back to the PCT where we would turn North to continue towards the Climber's Trail and Diamond Peak. 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. gold and some legendary characters like Skedaddle Smith, One-eyed Dick, 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). I, not being from Oregon and having to fly in, was dependent on others for the drive in to the trailhead. 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 . Byway tour, head south on Oregon Route 7. Park where the restored narrow gauge "Stump Dodger" train takes In a nutshell: A very pretty mountain lake just south of the Diamond Peak Wilderness. Follow this road and signs for Summit Lake about 6.5 miles to a major (but barely marked) junction. Mosquitoes are usually scarce by mid-August, and September is a safer bet. 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). continues west, past fields of dredge tailings (the earth disturbed by Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Headquarters and WhitmanRanger District, 1550 Dewey Ave Follow this paved road half a mile and then turn right onto FSR 21. All rights reserved. Theres also a rustic shelter that can be rented it has a dirt floor and planks for beds, so dont expect the Hilton. Despite these charms, the lake remains uncrowded due to three major major problems:awful road access, late snowmelt and mosquitoes. Its a big area, and options abound. The highlight is an easy-moderate hike of 5 miles round-trip to stunning Indigo Lake. You descend to a junction by another water tank (0.6 miles) where you'll turn left. Then turn onto rough and rutted FSR 6010 for 6.5 miles to Summit Lake Campground. --Oscar Wilde. The Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway | TripCheck - Oregon Traveler Information The last 5 miles of Forest Service 7301 road past the Forest Service boundaryare recommended for high clearance vehicles only. 0:35 - Gate just before Adamsville Avenue. Short season. There's not much you can do about the smoke in Oregon this summer. ) or https:// means you've safely Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles.

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