Junction Lake

Easy (to Junction Lake)

5.2 miles round trip

700 feet elevation gain

Open mid-June to mid-October

Use: hikers, horses


Moderate (to Lemei Lake)

9.2-mile loop

900 feet elevation gain


The East Crater Trail provides the easiest route to the famous alpine meadows of the Indian Heaven Wilderness. And once you reach huckleberry-rimmed Junction Lake, it’s tempting to make an additional 4-mile loop on the Pacific Crest Trail past four other large lakes and vast fields of heather.

Drive Interstate …

Other Options

To explore more of this high country, either take …

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington.