Matthieu Lakes are located near the Pacific Crest Trail in Central Oregon’s Three Sisters Wilderness. While you can access these lakes from McKenzie Pass, this listing will describe the ride from Whispering Pines Horse Camp. Three options for routes are included in the GPX routes.
There are designated camping spots along these lakes. The best views are at the south lake, but they’re not highline friendly. A few sites at the northern lake are doable with a highline but the ground can be uneven and a large group is a challenge.
Trail Stats:
- 14.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,483 feet
- Elevation Loss: 2,480 feet
- Max Elevation: 6,097 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
↗ What does this mean? - Footing: Gravel roads, single track dirt trail.
- Hoof Protection: Boots/shoes recommended.
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Facilities: Whispering Pines Horse Camp has corrals, creek for stock water, dumpster, day use parking and a vault toilet.
Water Sources: Creek in camp, creek crossing along the way.
Trail Info: Leave camp and turn right towards the main road. Turn right again on Forest Road 1018 for 0.3 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 1024 and follow this for 1.9 miles to Millican Crater Trailhead. Continue on Millican Crater Trailhead for 0.9 miles. At the first junction turn left on Trout Creek Tie Trail and follow for 0.8 miles. At the next junction, turn right on Scott Pass Trail and continue on this for 2.3 miles. At the Pacific Crest Trail Junction, ride PCT North and you will arrive at the first lake within about 0.1 miles. Continue along the PCT for another 0.1 miles to the next junction. Veer left onto North Matthieu Lake Trail and follow for 0.6 miles until you arrive at North Matthieu Lake. Return the way you can or consider one of the alternate lollipop loop routes listed in the GPX tracks below.
Trail Challenges: Water crossings. Steep switchbacks to the pass. Some rocky spots. Elk herds. Burn area.
Permits: Self-issued wilderness permit.
Backcountry Sites: Yes, at North Matthieu Lake. Very limited grazing, pack feed.
Cell Service: Verizon, OK at Whispering Pine Horse Camp, spotty along trail. OK at north end of southern lake, no coverage at north lake.
Fuel: Chevron (smaller rigs, can be busy) – 1001 Railway, Sisters, OR 97759
GPX File:
OHT: Matthieu Lakes
OHT: Matthieu Lakes Lollipop Loop
OHT: Matthieu Lakes via Lava Lake Camp
Maintained By: ?
Directions: From Sisters, OR: Travel approximately 6 miles west on Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass Highway). Follow the signs into Whispering Pine Horsecamp.
Resources:
Map:
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