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. 44125 North Santiam Highway SE Address Forest Road 6010 Crescent, Oregon GPS: 43.462227, -122.133168 Elevation: 5564' Get Directions Management Public - Forest Service (Official) Website The road in is Dirt. Call a ranger to learn more about this camp at Print/PDF map. Contact the Middle Fork Ranger District for details (541-782-2283). Information you share may be used to update trail conditions on the website. Road to Summit Lake Near Diamond Peak Oregon. A 4-by-4-high clearance vehicle is recommended for both. The upside is that you will enjoy warm, swimmable water, clear and warm summer nights, and a host of excellent hiking and biking opportunities. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest and past many small ponds. on official, secure websites. Ten miles down the road, gold was discovered in Bull Run Creek in 1862, (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. All Rights Reserved. It's unmarked but noted to be a "well worn booth path" with a cairn marking its junction with the PCT. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Looking for a real escape? LockA locked padlock Fair warning. Early start because we have a 6.5 mile drive to the trailhead on an unimproved forest service road (FR398/6010 from Crescent Lake west towards Summit Lake/PCT); none of us had driven that route or type of road before and weren't sure if a Subaru Outback would handle it (it would be fine). Leaving 2023 www.statesmanjournal.com. Once you crest the boulder field you will be at Diamond Peak's false summit. 541-962-8500, 201 East Second St. 509-758-0616, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest on Facebook, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest on Twitter. (For now!) 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. No one? Diamond Peak, southern route via Crescent/Summit Lakes. A canoe would be a better choice, but on a solo trip, I opted for easier traveling. Mt. Hood National Forest - Summit Lake Campground - US Forest Service 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. He is the author of the book Hiking Southern Oregon and can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Baker City, OR 97814 Hipcamp is working closely with the government to allow bookings here asap. For details, see this story on the best routes up Diamond Peak. 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). As planned, the trip was a complete success. The jagged Oregon Route 58 - Wikipedia Drive from Eugene to Crescent Lake (< 2hrs) where a cabin is already reserved. The trail is open to foot and horse (or other pack stock) travel only. Directions:There are two routes from Willamette Pass Highway 58 in Oakridge. They said Summit Lake gets a fair amount of visitors on August and September weekendsbut stays mostly quiet mid-week. United States. Summit Lake is located in a sort of no mans land on the southern border of the Diamond Peak Wilderness, and two routes provide access. 2023Outdoor Project. Diamond Peak Via Pacific Crest Trail. Posts: 726. Hike the PCT: The Pacific Crest Trail runs alongside Summit Lake and can be hiked to the north or south. Download Our New Official Recreation App! Go island camping at spectacular lake hidden in Oregon mountains While this poses some challenges for planning, it also protects this gorgeous and sensitive area from becoming too overrun. If that hike seems a little much, you can always stop at Marie and Rockpile Lakes, or explore Timpanogas Lake a little farther down the road. Or view a regional map of surrounding Los Angeles trails and campgrounds. on official, secure websites. The river empties continues west, past fields of dredge tailings (the earth disturbed by The next morning Id do more swimming and exploringbefore packing up and leaving Berry Island for the next traveler. Oregon Route 138 is an Oregon state highway that runs between the city of Elkton and a junction with U.S. Route 97 at Diamond Lake Junction. United States government. The 7,664-foot mountain is one of the least-climbed peaks in the Cascade Range. 57600 McKenzie Hwy You descend to a junction by another water tank (0.6 miles) where you'll turn left. Three miles past Indigo Springs Campground, turn left on Timpanogas Road 2154. peaks in view here form the backdrop for the Anthony Lakes Recreation From Baker City, Oregonhead north on Highway 30 toward Haines for approximately 10 miles; In Haines turn left and follow the Anthony Lake Highway signsfor approximately 11 milesto 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 on an unnamed road for approximately 4 miles to the Forest Service (FS) boundary; At the FS boundary the road becomes FS road 7301; Follow FS road 7301 for approximately 5 miles to the trailhead. Severed from the mainland and all its inhabitants, you become governor of an adopted patch of earth in a way thats different from camping near a trail or road. 30 to reach Baker City. 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 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. 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 . 503-854-3366, Sweet Home Ranger District The Summit Lake Campground is a great base for exploration. There are a few different routes up the mountain, but the route starting at Summit Lake is by far the easiest. Share sensitive information only (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. Backcountry sites. Occasionally Diamond Peak would come into view, peeking through the trees, a concrete reminder of our goal. Scouting photos and logs show a non technical hike with maybe some Class II/III route finding towards the summit. Baker Valley and the distant Wallowa Mountains. Suite A 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. 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). 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. Try driving here in a low-clearance vehicle and your muffler might fall off. Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing For the way down, be careful to not go the wrong way. Note that the "road" into Summit Lake is a rutted and potholed dirt road that you really need a vehicle with some . Mosquitoes are very bad until late August. Theres something unique about camping on an island. This trailhead provides access for the Pacific Crest Trail at Summit Lake. All rights reserved. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Perhaps predictably, the sites are all first-come, first-served. from the area until 1954. Turn left at a very faint sign for Summit Lake and FSR 6010 and follow this awful. The Summit Lake Trailhead is a very primitive trailhead located along the Wild and Scenic North Powder River. of wildlife including osprey, bald eagles, deer and elk. Access to the campground is rough in good conditions, and excessive rain may make the road impassible, not to mention snow. One of the only mountain lakes in Oregon where you can camp on an island, Summit Lake offers one of Oregons best late-summer experiences. Here you won't see any rock cairns, but it's easy to see that you just go straight up. Situated in Kalmath National Forest right on Oregon's southern border, this remote dispersed campground is close to the Pacific Crest Trail and Mt. Chambers Lakes: From Sisters, drive 1.4 miles west on McKenzie Pass Highway, aka Oregon 242. Information: Crescent Ranger District Office, (541) 433-3200. 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. Having trekking poles helps immensely! 541-225-6300, Detroit Ranger District trout; a half-mile long paved trail offers river access. Summit Lake Campground is the little campground that could. The Pacific Crest Trail meanders around Summit Lake, and the section that heads north is one of the most popular approaches for Diamond Peak. Anthony Lake, the Byway descends abruptly, capturing superb views of the At the fringe of treeline the climb turns into its steepest part (and a solid Class II) but there's still good footing. At a fork take a slight right for 0.3 miles, then continue straight ontoNF-700 for 5.2 miles. It connects the Cowhorn Creek Trail to Summit Lake. And nows a good timeto explore the iconic mountain lakes and trails near Oakridge. to a downhill ski resort that's served up great powder since 1933. Zillow has 2385 homes for sale. into Phillips Lake, which is a popular boating and fishing spot. Follow this paved road 32 miles. There is a lot of wildlife here and in fall it is a popular hunting area. We integrate with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers. 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). Thank You! There are dispersed campsites around the lake as well. With a population of 130, Sumpter is a shadow of Total of 76.4 miles via Crescent Lake and NF-398 which requires a high clearance vehicle. Mountains eventually stopped producing, agriculture and the arrival of All Hipcampers should review and adhere to these standards for safety, trip preparation, and respect in order to uphold Hipcamps most important value: leave it better.. For this story, Im spotlighting my three favorite lakes in the area Timpanogas, Summit and Waldo. We made slow but steady progress to the false summit (about 3 pm) without issue. A 2.4 million pound dredge that dates back to Description. Road & Weather Conditions Map | TripCheck - Oregon Traveler Information Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse - Recreation.gov Water: No. The Elkhorn Drive United States government. This is just one of the great singletrack trails in the Crescent Lake area. Joseph, OR 97846 Escape to three of Oregon's most beautiful lakes this September They extend nearly 80 miles, from the Red Rock Valley in California to Warner Canyon, which lies immediately east of Lakeview, Oregon. Follow signs to campgrounds or boat ramps. But at least you wont have to pay for the privilege. values, and is a popular destination for outdoor people. An official website of the Summit Lake: a beckoning hideaway in Oregon Cascades Fishing, from what I was told, is not good here. When thinking about the timing of your hike and making sure you have enough daylight hours, keep in mind that the last 1.5 miles of this hike (the actual climb) will take between 1.5-2 hours and it is pretty slow going on the way down too. Timpanogas and Indigo Lake: These two very pretty mountain lakes can be reached with a fairly short drive from Summit Lake. 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. It has great flow when ridden from south to north. 541-426-5546, Clarkston - Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, 2535 Riverside Drive Trailhead (Pacific Crest Trail) to campsite (Rockpile vs. Marie Lake), lunch, drop off extra gear, then on towards the summit. Continue on for approximately 31 miles take a left on Forest Road 2154 and continue for 4 miles. For a greater challenge, tackle Cowhorn Mountain. Water Level: Seasonal average? LockA locked padlock Continue on 42 to Forest Road 4200-141. Clarkston, WA 99403 Elevation: 3,100' gain, 2,700' loss. McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413 Oregon, United States, North America . Go island camping at spectacular lake hidden in Oregon mountains, Diamond Peak: Climbing Oregon's misshapen mountain. Find him on Facebook at Zachs Oregon Outdoors or @ZachsORoutdoors on Twitter. Island camping: There are many boat-in campsites where its possible to make camp via canoe or kayak. The campground, then, is a great choice if one of the three spots is available when you arrive. made by early Chinese gold miners along Granite Creek, as they set aside (541) 383-5300. 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. 1 post Page 1 of 1. South Sister via Devil's Lake Trailhead, Deschutes County, Oregon From there, explore the lake on day-trips via canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. 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. Early September in Oregon forecast good weather (no storms), day/night temps 70s/40s. ( offer picturesque settings for camping and fishing, plus cross-country This made the trip an easier sell to Alex who enjoys his creature comforts (running water, cold beer) and facilitated logistics overall. For details on the route, buy the book "100 Hikes in the Willamette Cascades" by William Sullivan. I brought my backpacking gear, an inflatable kayak and made sure to include a shovel. Hike to Wildhorse Lake, Princeton, Oregon - The Outbound It is not a bad climb if ridden from north to south either. There's not much you can do about the smoke in Oregon this summer. The Anthony Lake area is also home By continuing below, you agree to Hipcamps. The higher you get the looser and more sand-like the terrain becomes. Easy 4 mile walk back to the car. 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. Download the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Recreation App! Summit Lake is home to a very small campground with three closely spaced sites with a bathroom and boat launch. From the junction the climber trail immediately starts going steeply uphill. The trail passes through common alpine vegetation of mountain hemlock, lodgepole pine, western white pine, Pacific silver fir and whitebark pine. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Summit Lake Campground is not operated by Hipcamp and can only be booked externally. Diamond Peak rises above the south shoreline, and numerous islands and inlets invite exploring via boat. by a ghost. The highlight is an easy-moderate hike of 5 miles round-trip to stunning Indigo Lake. Indeed, it is because of this view, this incredible location, that Summit Lake Campground is an absolute gem in spite of itself. 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. Nighttime was utterly silent on Berry Island, and, in a small way, I missed the conversations I often have with follow campers. Follow this paved road half a mile and then turn right onto FSR 21. Road to Summit Lake Near Diamond Peak Oregon. When Forest Road 73 ends It was challenging enough to feel satisfying and a perfect way to introduce others to the outdoors. 4431 Highway 20 Phone Number. As a bonus, Odell and Crescent Lakes are nearby for frontcountry access and stagingpurposes(I chose Crescent Lake for this trip). After 0.5 miles, turn, ontoNF-398 for 2.1 miles. Copyright 2023. The only campground on Summit Lake. Three miles past Indigo Springs Campground, turn left on Timpanogas Road 2154. Background on Diamond Peak can be found at Summit Posts' very helpfulpage. . After the less-than-enjoyable drive, I arrived at Summit Lake and got my first view. Once you get back down to the PCT it is easy cruising though. 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. South Sister : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost Trailhead address: Old Topanga Canyon Road & Summit to Summit Motorway, Topanga, CA 90290. It's the fixed rocky terrain that will punish low ground clearance cars. "Acclimatize" for the rest of the day. Some sites/trip reports indicate a permit was needed to park but I couldn't that up and we didn't use/have one. A five-pound Oregon Route 138 - Wikipedia For 80 years, boisterous Granite produced gold and some legendary characters . Even with these high clearance cars the 6 miles will likely take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to navigate. This 106-mile loop is a voyage through gold booms, ghost towns and the ) or https:// means you've safely The official headwaters of the Willamette River is this pretty lake at the base of little-known Cowhorn Mountain. Successful summit; Diamond Peak (8,744'), September 11 2016. Diamond Peak: Central or Southern Cascades? Summit Lake also makes a good starting point to hike into the Diamond Peak Wilderness. The trailhead will be on your left. This road should not be attempted unless you have a very high clearance Jeep or 4Runner. From the false summit you will hike along Diamond Peak's spine another 0.4 miles to the top, gaining your last 545 feet of elevation. There are dispersed sites around the lake. It was a simple backtrack down the Climber's trail, the PCT, and back to camp at Rockpile Lake for the night. 770 for another 2 miles. Follow this paved road half a mile and then turn right onto FSR 21. 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. Dead Indian Memorial Road - The Oregon Encyclopedia As well as being the third tallest mountain in the state of Oregon. Oregon" (pop. I wasted no time setting up my tent and organizing camp, then celebrating with a cool swim. Unlike Odell Lake and Crescent Lake, Summit Lake has no major, single stream to feed it. ontoUS Forest Service Rd 21 then almost immediately turn, ontoNF-21. Diamond Peak Via Pacific Crest Trail - Oregon | AllTrails Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Thielsen and Summit Lake where you came from. 21 for 0.5 miles, then turn, /US Frst Service Rd. We hit the trail with high spirits just after 8 am. Following a generally east-west route over the summit of the southern Cascade Range, the road passes through miles of forestland and provides brief views of Mount McLoughlin. in the valley, head south to Haines, the "biggest little town in Diamond Peak is absolutely incredible and one of Oregon's most underrated summits! Then turn onto rough and rutted FSR 6010 for 6.5 miles to Summit Lake Campground. Summit Lake has a small first come first serve campground if you want to spend the night after a long day of summiting. Deschutes National Forest - Summit Lake Trail - US Forest Service Discover campsites, ranches, vineyards, farms, glamping, public parks and more. 0:35 - Gate just before Adamsville Avenue. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. Development: Small campground with three official sites, small boat ramp and pit toilet. 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. 541-367-5168, McKenzie River Ranger District Season: Late June/July to September/October, depending on snow. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 28 min to complete. The Staley Fire is somewhatnear Timpanogas and Summit, but both remain open to the public. website belongs to an official government organization in the We had a successful summit, everything went to plan, and we all enjoyed ourselves. Would you recommend Summit Lake Campground? The return is a simple backtrack. I spent the rest of the day exploring surrounding islands and peninsulas and found many other outstanding campsites and unsuccessfully trying to catch fish. Beautiful views. east and climbs its apex at Elkhorn Mountain Summit (7,392 ft.). There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. 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). Ten miles down the road, gold was discovered in Bull Run Creek in 1862, and the town of Granite sprang up. The Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway | TripCheck - Oregon Traveler Information Granite, the Byway turns north onto Forest Road 73. the Mowich Look Wildlife Viewing Area is a good place to spy a variety Day Stats: Distance ~ 10.5 miles. You'll pass by a water tank and the road becomes dirt. I parked near the boat ramp, inflated my kayak and began loading up gear. For reference, a Subaru Crosstrek barely made it 3 years ago. General Information Directions: From Sandy, OR - follow Highway 26 south approximately to Primary Forest Route 42. Enter your email below to be notified when we get access. You will still have great views from there towards the south as well as to the east and west. Willamette National Forest - Pacific Crest Trailhead - Summit Lake 46375 Highway 58 We awoke on time (pre-dawn) for breakfast and final gear and weather check; however we deliberately waited for daylight to ensure we could safely navigate FR-368. Butisland camping alsocanbe lonely, especially on a solo trip, without even the mainland chipmunks around to keep you company. Many crossovers/CUVs/light SUVs could probably handle the road but just be aware: it's not a matter of traction (having AWD). It's much steeper going than the PCT was, but its solidly within Class I territory. Sharing is caring, y'all. Heading north takes you into the Diamond Peak Wilderness, withhighlights such as Rockpile and Marie lakes. Nearby, Then turn onto rough and rutted FSR 6010 for 6.5 miles to Summit Lake Campground. Even with these high clearance cars the 6 miles will likely take about 45 minutes to 1 . Turn right at signs for Crescent Lake and follow FSR 60 for 7.2 miles around the north side of the reservoir. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. The Climber's Trail is roughly 1 mile and 2000' gain over talus/scree to the false summit, then a short walk/scramble (~.25mi) to the true summit. Summit Lake - East Details. 3 talking about this. Springfield,OR 97477 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. Directions: There are two routes from Willamette Pass Highway 58 in Oakridge. A blue-green pool nestled below Sawtooth Mountains 1,000-foot cliffs, Indigo Lake makes a nice first-time backpacking destination for children. up with the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway at the North Fork John Day Campground. It is very easy to continue going straight down after the rocky/boulder area, which will put you out at Marie Lake, the small lake near Rockpile Trail. many who pushed west on the Oregon trail stopped short of the Willamette its glory days when miners produced over $10 million in gold ore, and We were hoping that the trail in to Summit Lake off of US Forest Service road 2154 was open so we road our bikes up there today. Turn left onto Timpanogas Road 2154. Then follow signs for Timpanogas Lake 9.3 miles to the campground. 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. For the best experience, bring a canoe or kayak and pack your gear onto the water, where youre allowed to camp at a number of islands and peninsulas. From **If you Google directions to Summit Lake DO NOT take the suggested route even if Google says it is faster. The quicker route takes the turn-off to Crescent Lake and follows Forest Service Road 6010, one of the worst roads in the state, to Summit Lake. Short season. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation." This is the last push to the false summit. Its a big area, and options abound. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Official websites use .gov A .gov 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). The route across the "saddle" to the true summit was straightforward with minimal elevation gain, easy Class I/II terrain but one particular gendarme resulted in a short stretch of Class III scrambling. Ashland. It was a simple backtrack down the Climber's trail, the PCT, and back to camp at Rockpile Lake for the night. (541) 383-5300. It is the primary route between the Willamette Valley and south-central Oregon, including the Klamath Falls region. Summit to Summit Motorway - Nobody Hikes in LA No deviations from scouting report. Nighttime low 38F. Warner Mountains : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering - SummitPost State. Park where the restored narrow gauge "Stump Dodger" train takes Unknown; no water crossings, camp side lake was our source and seemed at average water level. 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. Shortly after hitting timberline you will come to a very obvious spot where the rocky/boulder section starts. Still hadn't run into anyone else on the trail. Planned for night temps to low 40s. A second is canoe camping loading your gear and traveling the lakes shoreline to the numerous campsites only reachable via boat. Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 9:15 pm. 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