59 min
Overview
This easy family-friendly hike takes you to the largest lake in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. It is very popular, so don't expect solitude on summer weekends. Other sights in the area include Lake Ann and Marion Falls. The trail starts off in the forest. After 1.2 miles you will reach Lake Ann, whose outlet you can hear - but not see - beneath your feet. At the junction with the Marion Lake Outlet Trail #3495, stay to the right. Soon you'll see a well defined spur that leads up a slope to Marion Creek and the top of Marion Falls. A steep, somewhat sketchy scramble will take you down to the bottom of the 60-foot falls. An even sketchier path will take you farther downstream to a view of the lower tier of Marion Falls, also known as Gatch Falls. Back at the Outlet Trail, turn right, and hike another half mile or so to reach a junction at a footbridge over Marion Creek. Don't cross the creek, but turn left on the Blue Lake Trail #3422 to follow the tread along the north shore of Marion Lake to a scree slope. A user trail leads down from here to an excellent view of Mount Jefferson. Then you'll reach a peninsula with a number of campsites. There's a good view of Three Fingered Jack from here. Then proceed to the junction with the Marion Lake Trail #3436, where you will turn left to head back to your car.
Trail Stats
0.0 km
297 m
1281 m
0 m
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Photos
400px-MarionLakeMap
400px-MarionLakeMap
160px-Marion
160px-Marion
400px-Marionlake
400px-Marionlake