Snell Lake Trail

At 8,743 feet, Diamond Peak is almost as tall as the other iconic volcanoes of the Oregon Cascades, but sees just a fraction of the people. Outside the range of casual Portland day hikes and hard to see from the highway and from other peaks, Diamond Peak and the spectacular wilderness surrounding it tend to pass under the radar.  But, thanks to its position just west of the Cascade range crest,...

Diamond View Lake is relatively unknown compared to many of the other lakes in the Oregon Cascades, yet the views it delivers of Diamond Peak are top-notch. While it can also be done as a summer backpack, winter brings out the best aspects of the scenery - low-angle light on Diamond Peak, long nights and crisp skies for star gazing, and complete solitude only 5 miles into the wilderness. The ...

This spot in central Oregon is a beautiful, natural lake where you can combine a nice hike with an afternoon of fishing. There are opportunities for multiple hikes surrounding the lake that are moderately challenging hikes and also remain scenic throughout the 10 mile trek around the lake. Relax after the hike down by the lake, fish, and enjoy the fresh air for a perfect afternoon.

The trip to Midnight Lake is a great way to spend a winter day and explore an otherwise overlooked lake in the central Oregon Cascades. Although the lake does see winter visitors, it is often  empty and very few people bother to hike to the far end of the lake. The route to the lake is through beautiful fir forest and is often well-tracked. Start out at the Gold Lake Sno-Park, just west of the ...

This is a great and relatively easy winter overnight trip for cross-country skiiers and snowshoers alike into the crest of the Oregon Cascades. The route offers tremendous views of Diamond Peak, Willamette Pass, and the western Oregon Cascades. While it can be done in a day, take advantage of the US Forest Service's Fuji Shelter and spend the night warming up next to the wood stove. Because o...

The beginning of this trail starts at the parking lot of Salt Creek Falls, right off of the 58 freeway. During the winter months, there's a gate blocking the road to the parking lot. You can park at the gate and it's a 0.6 mile walk to the beginning of the Salt Creek Falls trailhead. If you haven't seen Salt Creek Falls, the second tallest waterfall in Oregon cascading 286 feet, please do. It's...