Horse Lake Loop

Posted by timmyc on 10-13-07

I really dig loop hikes. I *totally* dig loop hikes that take me past numerous high alpine lakes. The hike to Horse lake is one of the later.

Drive 30 miles West of Bend on the Cascade Lakes HWY. Hang a right at the intersection with Elk Lake resort to get to the trail head. The joy of loop hikes starts right at the trail head, as you get to decide which direction you'd like to go. Since I'm kind of a backwards person, I'll describe this one via the counter-clockwise direction.

Head out on trail 3516 up a gently rolling, pleasant trail. After about 1.5 miles you will come to an intersection with the PCT... keep heading straight. After another quick two miles through the dense forest you will come to a major 'intersection'. Horse lake isn't signed at this point, but hang a right in the direction of 'Horse Trail Head'.

After less than .25 miles you will see Horse Lake through the trees. Horse Lake's most interesting attraction is on the far West Side of the lake. A rocky peninsula juts out into the lake from the West shore, so hop on the scant fisherman's trail that circumnavigates the lake.

Explore the craggy peninsula and drink in the views of Mt. Bachelor to the East. Continue the circumnav of the lake and eventually end up back on the main trail. Return to the major intersection to complete the rest of the loop hike.

A map will come in handy as there are few more intersections, as well as some fun smaller lakes to explore on your trip back to the car. The numerous lakes and expansive trail system in this area would also make this a great spot for an overnight trip.

On your return trip back to the trail head, you will pass through an old forest fire burn from the Elk Lake fire. The scared forest opens up the views in this area, but is a sobering reminder of the detestation of forest fires.

Map of Horse Lake Loop