Horse Lake Loop Hike

Overview

This pleasant loop in the Three Sisters Wilderness visits a large scenic lake with partial mountain views. Although the entire hike is through viewless forest, the trees provide welcome shade on hot summer days, and this area sees far fewer visitors than other areas of the wilderness. Mosquitoes are horrendous in July and well into August, so the best time to visit is September. There are many trails in this area and therefore many trail junctions, all of which are signed by trail name and none of which direct you to Horse Lake. It is important to carry a map of the area and know how to read it. From the trailhead set off down the dusty path. Right away the trail forks. Keep right to stay on the Horse Lake Trail, and then pass the wilderness boundary sign. At 0.3 miles pass a junction with Elk Devils Trail #12 and stay to the left. At 1.5 miles reach the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. Around this point you cross from the Deschutes National Forest into the Willamette National Forest. Cross the PCT, and continue following the Horse Creek Trail. After 3.3 miles, reach the junction with the Red Hill Trail and stay to the left. (The Red Hill Trail heads north about four miles to Sisters Mirror Lake). At 3.6 miles reach another junction where the Horse Creek Trail heads to the right. Stay to the left on the Red Hill Trail. Cross Horse Creek, and stay to the left at a “User Trail Not Maintained“ sign. (This user trail leads to an open area criss-crossed with fallen trees where the Horse Lake Shelter used to stand. All evidence of it is now gone. The Horse Lake Guard Station also stood near here although it, too, is long gone.) In another 0.2 miles, reach yet another junction. Turn right on the Park Trail. (Remember this junction because it is where you'll later make the decision to go back the way you came or take the loop option.) Pass a large meadow on your right, and then 0.4 miles from the junction watch for a distinct (but unofficial and unsigned) user trail on the right. Turn here and follow the p

Trail Stats

Photos

400px-HorseLakeLoopMap

400px-HorseLakeLoopMap

250px-ElkLakeTHDeschutes

250px-ElkLakeTHDeschutes

400px-HorseLake

400px-HorseLake

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