Blue beads on a mountain’s necklace, the Rosary Lakes sparkle in a high basin beside Maiden Peak. The classic hike to these very popular lakes climbs the Pacific Crest Trail from Willamette Pass.  On weekends you can take a fun shortcut by riding the nearby ski area’s summer gondola up Eagle Peak and returning past the lakes on a loop, entirely downhill.  For a challenge, tackle a longer loop to the summit of Maiden Peak itself, passing a charming log cabin and Maiden Lake along the way.

For the classic hike, turn off Willamette Highway . . .

If you’re interested in climbing Maiden Peak, be warned . . .

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