Carl Lake

Mount Jefferson from Carl Lake

Mt. Jefferson from Table Lake

  • Moderate (to Carl Lake)
  • 9.4 miles round trip
  • 1000 feet elevation gain
  • Open mid-July through October
  • Use: hikers, horses


  • Difficult (to South Cinder Peak)
  • 13.4 miles round trip
  • 2200 feet elevation gain

There’s lots to do at this deep, rock-rimmed alpine lake: explore the interesting shoreline, admire wildflowers, gather huckleberries, or take a challenging side trip to a viewpoint atop South Cinder Peak.

To start, turn off Highway …

Other Options

To return from South Cinder Peak …


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

Carl Lake