Hundreds of lakes dot the forested Olallie Lake plateau north of Mt. Jefferson, but Red Lake is one of the few to offer a glimpse of the big snowy mountain itself. And once you’ve climbed to Red Lake, it’s not much further to visit three other lakes on your way up Potato Butte, an old volcano with a far better view across the plateau to Mt. Jeff.  Mosquitoes can be a problem the first half of July.

From Interstate 205 near Oregon City, take exit . . .

Other Options

Backpackers or hardy day hikers can explore . . .

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes: Northwest Oregon