Jefferson Park from Whitewater Trailhead Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Whitewater Trailhead
- End point: Jefferson Park
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: (Out-and-back or backpack)
- Distance: 11.0 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- High Point: 5,880 feet
- Seasons: Mid-July - early October
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: Very
Contents |
Hike Description
This is the most popular trail to Jefferson Park since it is the shortest and easiest access. The other two other options start from the Breitenbush Trailhead the South Breitenbush Trailhead. The first 3.75 miles of this hike burned in the 2017 Whitewater Fire, and the trail was closed for two years until the Forest Service reopened it on August 1, 2019. While this is still the shortest and fastest way into Jefferson Park, the experience is now very different. On the plus side, the fire has opened up the views. On the down side, there is virtually no shade until you get to the first crossing of Whitewater Creek, making this a harder hike during hot summer days.
You'll start to climb moderately through burned old-growth forest. After four wide switchbacks and 1.6 miles turn right at the junction. The trail becomes more rocky and dusty. Some patches of vegetation and trees survived the fire, and plants such as beargrass, huckleberry, and fireweed are quickly growing back. You will have numerous views through the burnt snags, including pretty consistent views of Mount Jefferson to the east.
After a cliff traverse you will reach the edge of the burn and the first crossing of Whitewater Creek at 3.75 miles. This is also the first water source of the hike. The crossing has no bridge (sometimes hikers construct a seasonal makeshift bridge) but the creek is pretty small in summer and boulders are convenient to step on. After another quarter mile the trail meets up with the PCT. Keep left at the junction, heading uphill.
Cross Whitewater Creek again at 4.7 miles, this time on a footbridge. A lovely meadow just before the bridge blooms with hundreds of wildflowers in July (be aware that peak bloom usually coincides with peak mosquitos). The trail parallels a small gurgling stream as you make the final uphill push. Soon you'll break out of the forest and the trail will level as you enter Jefferson Park.
There are many options for exploration. Side trails on the left lead to Scout Lake, which is the closest lake to the main trail. Traveling around to its north side will reveal the iconic view of Mt. Jefferson rising above the lake. A network of unofficial trails here allow you to also explore Bays Lake, Rock Lake, and Park Lake. You can also stay on the PCT which will come to a side trail leading to Russell Lake in about 0.8 mile. Wherever you go, remember to stay on the trail to preserve the fragile meadows. When you are done exploring, return the way you came.
If staying overnight, be aware that camping is limited to designated sites, so you may wish to print out a copy of the campsite location map and bring it with you. Campfires are banned throughout the area (stoves are OK).
Lastly, be prepared that current conditions in Jefferson Park may be very different from conditions at lower elevation hikes. Like all high-elevation hikes, this place may get cold even in the summer, although if the weather is fair the nights are usually quite warm in August and September. If you come before the middle of July, expect to see a plenty of snow. The lakes don't usually thaw there until the end of June or the beginning of July. Also, mosquitoes can be plentiful in July and first half of August.
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
- Northwest Forest Pass required at the trailhead. Passes available for purchase on site.
- Dogs OK.
- Fires are banned in Jefferson Park; stoves OK.
- Starting in 2020 you will need to purchase a permit from Recreation.gov specific to the trailhead you are starting from. The Forest Service will announce specifics.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Jefferson Park from Whitewater Trailhead Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Jefferson Park from Whitewater Trailhead Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- 100 Classic Hikes in Oregon by Douglas Lorain
- 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades by William Sullivan
More Links
- See more information at Describe the link here
Maps
- Click on hike map below to enlarge
Also see:
Contributors
- romann (creator)