Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike

Overview

This hike takes you to a scenic (and relentlessly windy) alpine lake between South Sister and Middle Sister. The lake is a popular destination, so don't expect solitude. Save this one for a period of good weather as the high elevation and exposure make it a poor place to camp in bad weather. Also be aware that the first 3.7 miles of the hike are through forest burned in the 2012 Pole Creek Fire, so there is no shade. Campfires are not allowed at Camp Lake and a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required for overnight stays between June 15th and October 15th. The Pole Creek Trail heads south from the trailhead, climbing uphill through an area burned during the 2012 Pole Creek Fire, which incinerated 26,000 acres. The trail gets pretty dusty by late summer. On your return trip to the trailhead, you'll get views through the snags of Mount Washington, Black Crater, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Hood on a clear day. At 1.4 miles, you'll reach the junction with the Green Lakes Trail and turn left. Losing a bit of elevation, the trail heads north and crosses Soap Creek at 2.1 miles. On the other side of the creek is the trail junction with Camp Lake Trail #4074 and a campsite on the right. Turn right on the Camp Lake Trail, which gradually climbs through the burnt snags. 3.7 miles from the trailhead reach the edge of the burn and enter the cool shady forest. At 4.7 miles the trail crosses the North Fork Whychus Creek. There is no formal bridge here, but as of 2020 there was a sturdy fallen tree just upstream from the trail that served as a good crossing. Shortly after crossing the creek, reach the junction with the Demaris Lake Trail. If you wish to make a detour to see this lake, it's about a mile one way. The trail climbs up some steep rocky switchbacks. The trail makes a switchback uphill to the left where there is a fine view of North Sister. Beyond this point, the trail is quite scenic and as you hike, you'll get views of Broken Top and all three of the Sisters at various spots. Paintbrush, heather, and

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