Hidden in the Scott Mountains on a paved road less than an hour from Interstate 5, this beautiful mountain lake has lots of secrets—one of the nicest little campgrounds in Northern California, a wheelchair-accessible picnic beach that’s great for swimming on hot days, and an easy hiking path climbs past strange wildflower bogs to viewpoints.  For a longer hike or a backpacking trip, continue on the Pacific Crest Trail to another little-known gem, Bull Lake.

To drive here from Oregon, take . . .

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes: Southern Oregon