Difference between revisions of "Carl Lake Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
Justpeachy (Talk | contribs) |
Justpeachy (Talk | contribs) |
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{{Distance|10 miles}} | {{Distance|10 miles}} | ||
{{Elevation gain|1,000 feet}} | {{Elevation gain|1,000 feet}} | ||
| − | * High Point: | + | * High Point: 5,500 feet |
{{Difficulty|Moderate}} | {{Difficulty|Moderate}} | ||
* Seasons: Summer and Fall | * Seasons: Summer and Fall | ||
Revision as of 14:29, 19 March 2019
- Start point: Cabot Lake Trailhead
- End point: Cabot Lake Trailhead
- Trail Log:
- Hike Type: Out-and-Back
- Distance: 10 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
- High Point: 5,500 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Summer and Fall
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: Yes
Contents |
Hike Description
In the wake of the 2003 B&B Fire when the Forest Service abandoned many of the trails in this area, the Cabot Lake Trail is one of the few entry points for the east side of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. As a result it is very popular and very crowded. This can be done as a long day hike or an overnight backpack, however Carl Lake is very busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Mosquitoes are abundant in July.
The trail starts out in burned forest that is recovering from the lightning-caused B&B Complex Fires which burned 90,000 acres in 2003. This section has no shade and can be very hot in the summer. Fortunately after just 1.5 miles you'll leave the burn area and enter the forest. Shortly after that an unmarked trail on the right heads down the hill to Cabot Lake, a small lake surrounded by trees.
The trail switchbacks up through the forest then passes a series of ponds, some of which dry up by late summer. Five miles from the trailhead you'll reach the east end of Table Lake. The trail continues around the lake to the left where you'll find campsites if you're planning to stay overnight. Return to the trailhead the way you came.
Extending Your Hike
If you wish to explore further the Cabot Lake Trail continues around the west end of Carl Lake and five miles north to Table Lake. Some maps show connecting trails from the east along this stretch - the Sugar Pine Ridge Trail and the Jefferson Lake Trail - however these are no longer maintained and are impassible.
Another option is to head south. Hike about halfway down the length of Carl Lake and turn left at a trail junction. The trail passes Shirley Lake (an unmarked side trail at the far end of the lake heads down the hill to the shore) and after 1.5 miles reaches a four-way intersection where further options for exploration are numerous. The PCT heads off to the right and left, and straight ahead is the Swallow Lake Trail.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Carl Lake Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Carl Lake Hike
Guidebooks that cover this destination
- 101 Hikes in the Majestic Mount Jefferson Region by Matt Reeder
- 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades by William L. Sullivan
More Links
Page Contributors
- justpeachy (creator)