This easy trail wanders through forest and lava flow, to Linton Lake in less than a mile and a half. This is a great hike for kids, as there's practically no elevation gain. I combined this walk with Proxy Falls, just down the road.
Photo: Linton Lake.
When you reach an unsigned junction in the trail, near the lake, stay left at the "Y." Instead of dropping down from the trail to the water, stay up on the hillside until the trail seems to end at a campsite surrounded by deadfall. From here, you can clearly see you are at the lake. Follow a side trail through the fallen trees to the open shore. Descend any earlier, and you'll be at the shore of the lake's shallow outlet, not very attractive.
The shoreline is a mixture of volcanic debris and forest. The trail side of the lake is shallow and pretty, if you ignore the healthy growths of algae. There's a campsite on the shore and one in the trees.
The far side is a steep, tree-lined slope. The inlet stream divides as it crosses an expanse of lava rocks, and its rushing sound echoes across the lake to fill the valley. There's a waterfall just upstream in the woods, audible from about a half mile, but not visible from the lake's shores.
Fishermen know there's a slightly shorter trail to Linton Lake. The abandoned trailhead is about 1/2 mile uphill from the official trailhead parking lot, at a switchback in the highway. There is no parking there, and no wilderness permit dispenser.
Stats: 1.5 miles one way, nominal elevation gain.
Getting there: Trailhead is on Hwy. 242 west of McKinzie Pass.
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.