Shaped by long-gone volcanos, central Oregon seduces travelers with spots like Crater Lake, part of the national park of the same name that is cloaked with powder snow in winter and dotted with walkers come summer months.
The area is signed. Limited parking and dispersed camping is located near the trailhead. A few steep areas present a challenging route. The Lake Creek Trail is located within the North Fork John Day Wilderness. Closed to all motorized and mechanized equipment, including mountain bikes and carts.
Details
Length:
4.9 miles
Difficulty:
Difficult
Time:
3.5 - 4.5 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
6200
Elevation Range:
4000 feet to 6200
Elevation Change:
-2200
Usage:
Moderate
Season:
Summer to Fall
Useful Map(s):
USGS: Desolation Butte SW
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Highway 395 near Dale, head east 10 miles towards Olive Lake. Turn left on Forest Road No. 1010 and travel approx. 15 mile to the trailhead on the north side of the road.
Northern OregonFrom majestic Mount Hood to the green and sprawling Willamette Valley, Oregon's Mount Hood Territory is a place to be explored. Enjoy conquering historic hiking trails or take on Mount Hood on skis for an experience not soon to be forgotten. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Albany Visitors Association Central Oregon
Albany Visitors Association
Central OregonPlan Your Visit
Explore on foot, by bicycle, boat, or car. Albany is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have the following visitor guides in Oregon. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory Northern Oregon
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory
Northern OregonFrom majestic Mount Hood to the green and sprawling Willamette Valley, Oregon's Mount Hood Territory is a place to be explored. Enjoy conquering historic hiking trails or take on Mount Hood on skis for an experience not soon to be forgotten. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Albany Visitors Association Central Oregon
Albany Visitors Association
Central OregonPlan Your Visit
Explore on foot, by bicycle, boat, or car. Albany is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
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Canada
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Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
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Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
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Washington
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