This hike is truly spectacular from the moment you step foot out of your car. Jack Lake lies at the beginning of the trail, and provides a beautiful sample of what's to come. Stop and take pictures if you feel so inclined, but don't stop here to camp, because it gets a LOT better!

Follow the trail around the lake and for two miles through both forest dense with life and a burned version of the same thing. As the forest begins to open up you'll see campsites on either side of you well off the path and then land in Lower Canyon Creek Meadow. After regaining your balance from being struck in the face by the beauty of 3 Finger Jack, continue up the path for another mile or so. After climbing another small ridge, you'll see Upper Canyon Creek Meadow below, filled with wild flowers in August, and possibly even some snow surrounding the valley and on the face of the mountain.

There are campsites all around the meadow but finding one with a view can be difficult if you don't get there too early. In reality you can set your tent up within 100 feet of water or trails, but you'll quickly realize that this is easier said than done, especially since you don't want to lay your tent out over any wild flowers. Worst case, hang out for a bit and head back to the lower meadow to find a spot to setup camp.

The trail continues up toward an alpine lake and saddle aside the mountain. It's a steep climb on loose rock, but worth every step. If there is still plenty of time in the day, feel free to head up to the shoulder and bask in the views. Mt. Jefferson lies to the north, with potentially Mt. Hood behind on a clear enough day. To the south you'll find Mt. Washington, the Three Sisters, and Black Butte. Right next to you 3 Finger Jack towers above. If you setup camp too late to bother heading up to the ridge (not recommended to come down in the dark), then go up in the morning. I went up just after sunrise and had the whole place to myself for at least an hour.

After spending a night, the day, or the whole weekend in this magical land, head back the way you came, through the lower meadows until you reach the fork. Right is where you came in, but left will lead back to the same parking lot, along a very different route. This one has a stream alongside, and jets off to some nice little side adventures if you have time.