The popular trail to Pamelia Lake has something for everyone: an easy creekside forest stroll for the novice hiker, a lake with a mountain reflection for the meditative, and an optional, strenuous viewpoint climb for the go-getters. What’s the catch? Only that the trail is so popular.

To limit crowds, the Forest Service requires that hikers headed for Pamelia Lake or Hunts Cove get a special permit in advance. Starting at 7am Pacific Time on May 1 of each year, permits for the entire summer will be available at www.recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777 for a $6 fee. Because permits are issued to a limited number of groups for each day, summer weekends fill fast. Also note that camping at Pamelia Lake is allowed only at sites designated by a post, and campfires are banned at 7 of the 14 sites.

To find the trailhead, drive . . .

Other Options

For a nice side trip from Pamelia Lake, hike . . .

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes : Central Oregon Cascades