"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
GETTING THERE: From Sisters, drive northwest on HWY 20 about 12 miles, then turn right on Forest Road 12, marked "Mount Jefferson Wilderness Trailheads". Go North about 4 miles, then turn left of Forest Road 1230. Follow 1230 for about 1.5 miles then turn left on Forest Road 1234 (Jack Lake Road). Follow this road 6 miles to the parking area at Jack Lake. Parking passes are required here. If you don't have one you can self-pay at a station just as you turn onto Forest Road 12. THE HIKE: Be sure to obtain a Mt. Jefferson Wilderness permit as you leave the parking area. Follow the Wasco Lake trail as it heads around the northeast side of Jack Lake. At about .5 miles stay left on the Canyon Creek Meadow trail. Follow this for 2 miles, gaining 700 feet until you reach the lower end of the meadow.
At this point the trail forks. Stay left to go to the meadow. As you follow this trail you will be rewared with colorful wildflowers and an excellent view of Three Fingered Jack. After the trail leaves the top of the meadow, at times steeply, it meanders through dense forest until it opens up into another small meadow. Continue through this meadow to the top of the ridge for a spectacular view of the northeast face of Three Fingered Jack.
Return down this trail until you reach the fork and continue to your left to follow Canyon Creek. After about 1 mile it intersects the Wasco Lake trail and offers hikers a view of the creek tumbling down the mountainside. Continue to your left for 2.5 miles to complete the loop back to the parking area.
The mosquitoes can be fierce in the spring so be sure to bring lots of repellent.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.