Wasco Lake

Saturday, September 25, 2021

I was looking for a short hike to do on the east side of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness on this sunny day and decided to hike to Wasco Lake. There were 21 cars at the trailhead when I arrived at 10am, but I’m guessing most of those people were headed to Canyon Creek Meadows because I didn’t see many people on my hike.

The trail passes Jack Lake with Three Fingered Jack visible beyond:

Jack Lake

Jack Lake

This area burned in the 2003 B&B Complex Fires so it’s pretty open:

Old Summit Trail

After half a mile the trail enters the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness:

Mt. Jefferson Wilderness

This is also where the trail splits. People headed to Canyon Creek Meadows head left, but I was headed to the right:

Trail Junction

Continuing on through the burn:

Wasco Lake Hike

To the north I had views of part of Mt. Jefferson through the burnt snags:

Wasco Lake Hike

Wasco Lake Hike

Then I entered a section of unburned trees:

Wasco Lake Hike

Then it was back into the burn and I soon reached another trail junction where I turned right and crossed Canyon Creek:

Canyon Creek

There was some nice fall color along the trail:

Wasco Lake Hike

Wasco Lake Hike

Soon Wasco Lake came into view. The 5,674′ peak back there has no name:

Wasco Lake Hike

The trail follows the western shore of the lake:

Wasco Lake Hike

Wasco Lake Hike

Wasco Lake Hike

Wasco Lake Hike

At the far end is one patch of unburned forest with some campsites:

Wasco Lake Hike

Wasco Lake Hike

You can see the top of Three Fingered Jack from that end:

Wasco Lake Hike

Wasco Lake Hike

Some trees had A LOT of lichen:

Wasco Lake Hike

I sat and took a break for awhile, reading my Kindle and having a snack. Then I turned and headed back. At the south end of the lake I balanced on a log to walk through the burn area and get closer to the shore for a better view of the lake from there:

Wasco Lake Hike

Wasco Lake Hike

When I got back to the car at 2pm there were at least 50 cars. Glad I missed seeing all those people!

Gaia stats: 5.3 miles, 380′ elevation gain