The longer drive demanded dawn patrol putting us at the trailhead about 10am under grey skies. Before even gaining the rim the rain started and stayed with us off and on most of the day, although slightly dissapointed in the grey skies the rain was very refreshing to hike in given the hot weather we've been having. Despite the rain and clouds the views were not lacking...
The trick to this route is finding the entrance off the rim to gain access to the high country north of Broken Top. I did this once in 2009, but my memory of the entrance was gone... we did not find it. Poking around there is a ~50' cliff to work around, we did the hard part a class 3 scramble with some exposure, then a steep glissade on the lingering snowpack. We made short work of this, and was on our way off trail.
Grey skies giving way....
One down, the goal here is to keep a high traverse due west at ~7200 elev. This traverse, from here to the tarns feeding Golden Lake, is one of the most jaw dropping scenic hikes in my Oregon Bucket. Routefinding here is straight forward, although there is much more terrain here than the map suggests... all adding to the hidden beauty and scenic gems, I could easily return here... destination anywhere.
There are two small tarns feeding Golden Lake, which were our destination, that IMO are one of the most scenic destinations in Oregon. (as if the traverse route was not enough). Arriving at the smaller tarn first we talked to a lone day hiker, presumably up from Golden Lake. The main (larger) tarn.... was occupied
this was a huge disappointment and gave light to the popularity of this area. We camped at the smaller tarn out of sight, and well... the scenery here is not disappointing at all. A small thunderhead moved in while setting camp giving me caution... I don't think this is the place to camp in a lightning storm. Immediately after setting up the tarp is started raining providing a great nap opportunity with faint thunder growling and rain on the tarp. An hour later to my comfort it was bluebird skies.... to last us the rest of the trip."Infinity Lake"
The main tarn Jason named "Infinity Lake" because of the way the lake outlet here blends into the horizon. Heading downstream from here is a well established user path... giving light to the popularity of this gem. The trail follows the stream most of the way to Golden Lake where the real popularity of the area is evident.... with roped off restoration areas (assumingly) and tents in view upon arrival. Hikers and Horsemen exploring the lush green meadow adjacent the lake. Regardless, the scenic beauty of this "off trail" gem is huge and worth visiting.
Golden Lake
A few photos later we continued on the well worn "user path" (might as well be an established trail, I have no maps showing it...) down to the trail leading to park Meadows where the last of the great majestic scenic views were enjoyed for our hike out. From here, we headed to the Metolius Windego trail for a long hot dusty hike through timber to our starting point 3 Creek Lake to end our weekend. Hot, sweaty and covered in trail dust demanded the attention of the excellent brews and food at 3 Creeks Brewery.
