15 min
Overview
This is an easy hike that is good for kids. It works well as an overnight camping trip, but there are no bathrooms at the lake. You'll enjoy a nice short scenic walk through rhododendron and fir forests as well as over a small lava field at the high point of the hike. The trail can be crowded on weekends, so plan for a weekday hike. The trail starts out at the Linton Lake Trailhead across Highway 242 from the Alder Springs Campground. From your car, cross the road, and look for a set of stairs leading up to a trail sign marking the Linton Lake Trail. From here, travel along the well graded trail under Douglas firs. The route is easy to follow and well maintained. The path comes to a closed off junction, and then starts a mild climb up a hill to the right at about 3/4 mile. The trail climbs up the hillside and then comes to a flat section with many lava boulders. This is the high point of the hike. The trail now descends in a few switchbacks. Then you see your first views of Linton Lake at 1 1/8 mile from the road. The route continues another 3/8 mile, descending along the lake edge to a group of campsites at one of the lake's two inlets, Obsidian Creek. You can stop here and turn around, or set up a camp. You could also continue on a less traveled (and less crowded) route around the lake another 1/2 mile to another campsite area along the banks of the larger Linton Creek. There is also a nice view of the sunset from the Linton Creek campsites. A side trip up Linton Creek to two major waterfalls is a fun adventure for those in good shape. See more about this side trip at the Linton Falls Add-on Hike page.
Trail Stats
0.0 km
76 m
1139 m
0 m
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Photos
400px-LintonLakeMap
400px-LintonLakeMap
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250px-Lintonlakeandcreek
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250px-Lintonsunset
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400px-Lintonlake