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This easy out-and-back hike travels to a nice small lake in the Diamond Peak Wilderness.


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Map Key

7.2

Miles

11.6

KM

Out and Back

5,385' 1,641 m

High

5,015' 1,529 m

Low

820' 250 m

Up

821' 250 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly If you can avoid this area in the mosquito-ridden summertime, kids will love camping at the lake.

Overview

This is an easy short hike to a beautiful little lake in the Diamond Peaks Wilderness with views of Odell Lake and Diamond Peak on the way.

Need to Know

Mid-July is about peak mosquito season up here. Be prepared with good repellant and full-coverage clothing.

Description

We started our hike after parking at the PCT Trailhead parking on the north side of Highway 58. The entrance is just past the second Odell Lake turnoff if you're traveling west. We crossed the highway and started heading southbound. The trail is pretty well marked, but be aware that there are winter trails that intersect. These trails are marked blue with a blue diamond, and you'll see them until you enter the wilderness.

This is a relatively easy hike to Midnight Lake with a slight incline, but in the summer the mosquitos on trail are fierce. They will swarm you and made the hike slightly less than enjoyable.

After entering the Diamond Peak Wilderness, you'll gain elevation slightly before reaching the Midnight Lake Access Trail. This trail is not marked so you have to rely on a map, GPS, or the Hiking Project mobile app. You can barely make out the lake from the PCT.

If you want to hike around the lake, know that you'll need to bushwhack through dense undergrowth on the south lakeshore. If you're looking to spend the night, there are really only two sites to camp, both near where the access trail terminates at the lake.

Interestingly enough, the mosquitos were barely noticeable at the edge of the lake. However, waltz into the forest and you'll get swarmed.

After enjoying your time at Midnight Lake, simply follow the access trail back to the PCT and return the way you came to reach your car.

Flora & Fauna

While we were at the lake, we saw a couple of osprey and heard some robins, but not much other wildlife. At about 5:30 PM the hatch at the lake began and fish became active at the surface.

Contacts

Shared By:

Steve Jackson

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#4096

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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#114

in Oregon

#4,096

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Photos

Diamond Peak.
Jul 15, 2017 near Oakridge, OR
Midnight Lake from Campsite.
Jul 15, 2017 near Oakridge, OR
Hiking south on the PCT.
Jul 15, 2017 near Oakridge, OR
Pano view of Midnight Lake from Camp.
Jul 15, 2017 near Oakridge, OR

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