This eastern “back door” route to the popular Seven Lakes Basin may be a trifle longer than the official Seven Lakes Trail from the west (see Seven Lakes West), but a delightful lack of elevation gain makes it seem easier.

The popularity of this lake-dotted basin has brought a few rules. Maximum group size is eight people and 12 animals. Backpackers must tent at least 100 feet from lakeshores and are encouraged to use the four signed camp areas. Equestrians are required to use the eight designated horse camps. Horses are not allowed within 200 feet of lakeshores (except on trails or at designated watering spots) and grazing is usually banned. Also remember that mosquitoes are plentiful from mid-July to mid-August.

Start by driving to . . .

. . .   With a dramatic view of Devils Peak, a rockslide full of curious pikas, and a 30-foot diving cliff popular with daredevil swimmers, Cliff Lake is a popular destination. Heavy use has left much of its lakeshore closed for revegetation, but there’s an approved camping area on a low ridge close by.

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes: Southern Oregon