Doris and Cliff Lakes

  • Easy (to Doris Lake)
  • 4.8 miles round trip
  • 400 feet elevation gain
  • Open late June through October
  • Use: hikers, horses


  • Difficult (to Cliff Lake Shelter)
  • 14 miles round trip
  • 1600 feet elevation gain
  • Open July through October

The Six Lakes Trailhead near Elk Lake is the gateway to far more lakes than merely six. The rolling forests in this portion of the Three Sisters Wilderness are polka-dotted with blue. An easy walk up this trail reaches the first two large lakes, with small beaches suitable for children. For a longer hike, continue to the picturesque shelter at Cliff Lake. Backpackers can explore even farther through these lake-dotted forests to Mink Lake. Expect mosquitoes all of July.

Start by driving …

The unmarked side trail to Cliff Lake is easy to miss. The trick is to watch for …

Other Options

The 18-mile round trip hike to Mink Lake will interest backpackers, though the …

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Central Oregon Cascades.