It's an easy two miles of nondescript trail from the trailhead to Cabot Lake. There are a few brief peeks at peaks, including Mt. Jefferson. But not much else in the way of views until you continue toward Carl Lake, 2.8 more miles, which you should do.
Photos: Cabot Lake; Carl Lake.
Cabot Lake is a typical mountain lake ringed with thick forest and underbrush. I didn't see much in the way of campsites, but there might be some off in the trees. The turnoff to Cabot Lake is easy to miss, with all the deadfall around the junction. It looks like an abandoned side trail or horse camp, but it's on your right in 2 miles.
With the Sisters ranger station closed on weekends (why?) and no sporting goods stores in Sisters (why?), I had to guess at this hike from a Deschutes NF map. I needed something more detailed and, sure enough, two backpackers leaving Carl Lake handed me their map of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Thanks, guys.
Carl Lake is a big, beautiful lake in a beautiful setting. A 3/4-mile trail rings the lake, passing green meadows, steep slopes, a long ridge, and the lake's outlet waterfall. There are campsites all around the lake, with the best ones along the ridge on the north side of the lake, near the outlet. The water is a clear turquoise, and the surrounding peaks and ridges have a rich red tone. In late summer, the water's just warm enough to swim in briefly. I heard the fishing was excellent.
There are a few opportunities to make a loop trip on this day hike, to include a short section of the Pacific Crest Trail. I couldn't find abandoned trail 3488, which should be at a switchback just past Cabot Lake and four more, shallow, unnamed ponds. It should make about a 10-mile loop with some excellent views. I did see an abandoned trail that probably leads to Shirley Lake.
Stats: 4.5 miles one way, 900' elevation gain, trailhead 4500', highest point 5400'.
Getting there: Trailhead is at the end of Deschutes NF Rd. 1230, north of Sisters.
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.