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Winter Backpack to Diamond View Lake

Crescent, Oregon

Details

Distance

9.8 miles

Elevation Gain

1000 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Michael Graw

Watch Diamond Peak glow pink with the sunrise while having a frozen lake all to yourself. Go on a clear night for unbelievable star gazing.

Diamond View Lake is relatively unknown compared to many of the other lakes in the Oregon Cascades, yet the views it delivers of Diamond Peak are top-notch. While it can also be done as a summer backpack, winter brings out the best aspects of the scenery - low-angle light on Diamond Peak, long nights and crisp skies for star gazing, and complete solitude only 5 miles into the wilderness.

The trail starts at the Trapper Creek Trailhead, which is across the road from the Shelter Cove Resort on Odell Lake (making the trailhead easy to find). Drive just past the turn-off to the resort to park in a small clearing on the right. To start the hike, head across the railroad tracks; just past the treeline on the other side, there will be signs for the wilderness area (a self-issued permit is required during the summer months, but not during the winter).

After a quarter mile, keep left at the signed fork to continue towards Diamond View Lake. From here, the trail climbs steadily but moderately all the way to the lake. The first two miles follow the small gorge created by Trapper Creek, providing some nice views of the creek. Fresh snow blanketing the forest is an added bonus to doing this trail in winter.

Once you reach the lake, there are several established campsites sandwiched between the lake and the trail that offer fire rings and wood-cut seating. Put on your warm layers, brew some hot chocolate, and relax as the sun sets and the stars begin to shine over the mountain.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Snowshoeing
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Ski or Snowshoe to Midnight Lake

Fuji Mountain Summit via Waldo Road

Ski or Snowshoe to Fuji Shelter

Hiking and Fishing at Odell Lake

Diamond Creek Falls

Salt Creek Falls