Russell Lake via Whitewater Creek Trailhead

Explorer

Jess Fischer

Explorer

Russell Lake via Whitewater Creek Trailhead

05/14/20

This is definitely one of my favorite hikes in Oregon. A beautiful backcountry lake/wetland/high mountain meadows tucked below the summit of Mount Jefferson. I highly recommend backpacking, but can also be done as a solid day trip. Bring lots of water, snacks and sunscreen. I can't speak to this hike in the winter, but we hiked during the fall and it was amazing with all the foliage. There was a bit of snow at the higher elevations, but nothing we couldn't handle with our hiking boots.

5.0

Janelle Johnson

Russell Lake via Whitewater Creek Trailhead

09/04/19

I backpacked here with my 1 year old pup and my best friend. We didn't get onto the trail till late, around 4 pm and were able to make it to Bay/Scott lake and set up camp just as Dusk was hitting. Beautiful views, very Do friendly and nice campsites. The Rangers were around a lot so make sure that you camp in a designated campsite only. We went on a busy weekend so we saw numerous people have to move camp. We chose to day hike to Russel. Flat "hike" to Russel with great views(more of a valley). some mosquito's but they weren't terrible. Rumor has it they are going to start Permitting this area so make sure you check on that before you plan this trip. The first few miles of the trail is where you will get most of your elevation gain. The area is mostly old burn and at times in direct sun so put your SPF on. After a few miles you can start to see the green, that's where you are headed. Crossed a little stream over a log, it was easy on the way in but on the way out the water was higher so the log was pretty soggy. Waterproof boots are recommended. If you are backpacking or just day hiking, bring a hammock! Great chill spots!

5.0

Jenna Layne

Russell Lake via Whitewater Creek Trailhead

08/10/18

I just hiked up to Jefferson Park (Aug 2018) - please note that the Whitewater Trailhead and trail are CLOSED indefinitely due to a fire last summer. I hiked up the South Breitenbush Trail #3375 and it was ROUGH - a steep, rocky trail climbing lots of elevation. But totally worth it. In order to get to the trailhead follow Hwy 46 and turn onto FR 4685 follow this road for about 4-5 miles and you will see a big parking area on the right. There are some other trailheads on this road that are a little confusing as they are called the "South Breitenbush Gorge Trails" DONT TAKE THESE ONES! Enjoy the gorgeous hike - its a butt kicker for sure. Be careful on the way down as the rocks are loose, ankle busters. I camped at Bays Lake and it was glorious. Happy trails!

4.0

Explorer

Michael Graw

Explorer

Russell Lake via Whitewater Creek Trailhead

05/31/16

New for 2016, the USFS is requiring online reservations to be made for any of the designated lakeside campsites in Jefferson Park between Memorial Day and Halloween - see http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/recreation/?cid=stelprd3849890 for more info. Jefferson Park area is one of the best overnights in the Oregon Cascades! Each of the lakes is beautiful on its own, and the views of Jefferson - right in your face the entire evening - are unparalleled. The hike up from the Whitewater trailhead is relatively easy (certainly some elevation gain, but nothing too extreme) and the road is actually in pretty good shape. Snow lasts into mid-June, making this a great option for a May snowshoeing or backcountry skiing trip (think Memorial Day weekend - if you're out by Monday night, no permits required! Plus, there are no mosquitos and way fewer people spending the night up there when there's still snow on the ground). For a side trip, check out Park Butte about a mile to the north - it's difficult to actually reach the summit, but there are some nice views of Jefferson Park itself from the butte. Also, give yourself time for a nap and plan to spend the night staring at/photographing the Milky Way. There's basically zero human light and the snow-covered mountain reflects all the starlight. The single downside to this hike is that I still haven't found a great post-hike brewpub option along Hwy 22!

5.0

Jason Baker

Russell Lake via Whitewater Creek Trailhead

02/19/16

Mt Jefferson area is my most favorite of any place in Oregon. It is very beautiful with lots of subalpine lakes. If you are conditioned and willing, hiking up onto the glaciers is insanely beautiful. Though there are very few trails up the mountain. I didn't use a trail and just adventured up the side. Not an easy task and getting down is sketchy and very very steep in spots. So be forewarned, it is risky. I recommend this hike to everyone, and is something all hikers should experience.

5.0