Carl Lake Hike

Overview

In the wake of the 2003 B&B Fire, when the Forest Service abandoned many of the trails in this area, the Cabot Lake Trail is one of the few entry points for the east side of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. As a result, it is very popular and very crowded. This can be done as a long day hike or an overnight backpack, so note that Carl Lake is very busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Mosquitoes are abundant here in July. The trail starts out in burned forest that is recovering from the lightning-caused B&B Complex Fires which burned 90,000 acres in 2003. This section has no shade and can be very hot in the summer. Fortunately, after just 1.5 miles, you'll leave the burn area and enter the forest. Shortly after that, an unmarked trail on the right heads down the hill to Cabot Lake, a small lake surrounded by trees. The trail switchbacks up through the forest then passes a series of ponds, some of which dry up by late summer. Five miles from the trailhead, you'll reach the east end of Carl Lake. The trail continues around the lake to the left, where you'll find campsites if you're planning to stay overnight. Return to the trailhead the way you came. Extending Your Hike: If you wish to explore further, the Cabot Lake Trail continues around the west end of Carl Lake and five miles north to Table Lake. Some maps show connecting trails from the east along this stretch - the Sugar Pine Ridge Trail and the Jefferson Lake Trail. The Sugar Pine Ridge Trail is no longer maintained and is now impassible. Volunteers have been working on clearing the Jefferson Lake Trail of brush, so check on conditions beforehand. Another option is to head south. Hike about halfway down the length of Carl Lake, and turn left at a trail junction. The trail passes Shirley Lake (an unmarked side trail at the far end of the lake heads down the hill to the shore) and, after 1.5 miles, reaches a four-way intersection where further options for exploration are numerous. The PCT heads off to the right and left, and straight ahead is the Swallow

Trail Stats

Photos

400px-CarlLakeMap

400px-CarlLakeMap

400px-Carllake1

400px-Carllake1

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