1.6 hr
Overview
The Canyon Creek Meadows Hike is a favorite of many Oregon hikers, for a good reason. The trailhead is just 45 minutes out of Bend, and it features meadows, waterfalls, creeks, and a close-up view of Three Fingered Jack. (Views of TFJ are best in the morning, with the sun behind you.) Upper Canyon Creek Meadow is a large flat area directly under the 7841 foot summit pillars of Three Fingered Jack. In July and August, a profusion of wildflowers may be blooming along the trail and in the meadows. Note that the loop part of the hike is compulsory in order to reduce traffic on the busy trails. From the Jack Lake Trailhead, follow the trail around the east side of Jack Lake in forest scorched by the 2003 B & B Complex Fire. Take a left at a junction: to disperse impact in the meadows area, the lower part of the hike is prescribed as a one way loop. You'll return on the other trail on your way back. The trail begins climbing, alternating between stands of burnt forest and firs/hemlocks. Two miles from the junction, you will be at Lower Canyon Creek Meadow. The views are good, but they get better if you continue on. The other side of the loop connects here, your track back to the trailhead. Continue straight, heading directly towards Three Fingered Jack. You will climb some more, and pass several meadows with some lush creek scenes. A mile past the junction, you will end up at one destination, the Upper Meadow. Explore around, take pictures, or set up camp and enjoy the amazing view as the sun sets. If you still have energy, the trail continues for another half mile up to an overlook above a turquoise-hued glacial lake, and then up to a saddle on the east shoulder of Three Fingered Jack. It is a worthy side trip, but it is steep, exposed, and crumbly at times, so proceed with care. This side trip is not recommended for younger children. The continuation will give you another mile and 500 feet of elevation gain. (It is about 6 1/2 miles round trip to Upper Canyon Creek Meadow.) Views from the shoulder stretch sout
Trail Stats
0.0 km
475 m
1976 m
0 m
—
Photos
400px-CanyonCreekMeadowsMap
400px-CanyonCreekMeadowsMap
250px-Three-fingered_Jack%2C_Deschutes_National_Forest
250px-Three-fingered_Jack%2C_Deschutes_National_Forest
250px-Flowing_creek%2C_Canyon_Creek_Meadows
250px-Flowing_creek%2C_Canyon_Creek_Meadows
250px-Threefinger2
250px-Threefinger2
250px-Threefinger3
250px-Threefinger3
250px-Alpine_lake_agoseris_%28Nothocalais_alpestris%29%2C_Three-fingered_Jack
250px-Alpine_lake_agoseris_%28Nothocalais_alpestris%29%2C_Three-fingered_Jack
250px-Three-fingered_Jack%2C_Canyon_Creek_Meadows
250px-Three-fingered_Jack%2C_Canyon_Creek_Meadows
350px-Threefinger1
350px-Threefinger1