The glaciers that once spanned the crest of the Cascade Range in the Ice Age left behind a broad, forested mountain pass north of Mt. Thielsen. Today hikers can cross this pass on a trail from Miller Lake, on the range’s eastern slope, to Maidu Lake, the source of the North Umpqua River. For a shorter hike from the same trailhead, try the 5.1-mile path around Miller Lake, a route popular with anglers. On either trip, be prepared for mosquitoes throughout July.

Access to the trailhead is via . . .

Other Hiking Options

For a look west down the huge U-shaped valley left by Maidu Lake’s vanished glacier, take the . . .

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes: Southern Oregon