Contact Info
88401 Hwy. 82
Enterprise, OR 97828
- Phone:
- 541-426-4978
Basics
- Length:
- 4 miles one-way
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 4 - 5 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 5400 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 5400 feet to 7760 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 2360 feet
- Usage:
- Moderate use in summer and fall (horses and hikers)
- Season:
- Summer to Fall
Description
The trip to Maxwell Lake makes an excellent day hike; it's relatively short, 4 miles one-way. Stands of larch and fir give shade and relief from the open meadows. Climbing the ridge behind Maxwell Lake affords you spectacular views of North Minam Meadows and some of the lakes and peaks in the Minam and Lostine drainages. Fishing for eastern brook trout is a favorite pastime at Maxwell Lake. Catched Two Lake is also a favorite fishing spot. The lakes are surrounded with granite walls and fine outcroppings of pine trees along the lakeshores. Small side streams cross the trail but may dwindle to a trickle later in the season. Be sure to carry drinking water with you.
NW Forest Passes are required at Maxwell Lake Trailhead.
Campsites are few at Maxwell Lake, making this a good choice for a day hike. The last mile of trail is difficult for stock because the trail steepens and is sandy with shale rock. Grazing is minimal for stock so make sure to carry a supply of supplemental feed. Maxwell Lake is usually one of the earlier opening lakes and often remains open until late October.
Details
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Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Take State Highway No. 82 to Lostine and go south on the Lostine River Road No. 8210. The trailhead is located in Shady Campground approximately 17 miles south of the junction with State Highway No. 82. The first 6 miles is paved and the last 11 miles is graveled.
