Santiam Lake – Mount Jefferson Wilderness, Oregon – Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all.

Santiam Lake – Mount Jefferson Wilderness, Oregon

Dec 18, 2025

December 18, 2025

This 14.4-mile trail leads you through the Mt Jefferson Wilderness in Oregon’s Cascade mountains. Rated as moderate for difficulty, most seasoned riders will find this route enjoyable with a huge payoff in views of Three Fingered Jack reflecting off the peaceful and remote, Santiam Lake. Enjoy a quick break at Duffy Lake along the way as well, or continue on to the Eight Lakes Basin.

Trail Stats:

14.4 miles out and back.
Elevation Gain: 2,102 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,106 feet
Max Elevation: 5,181 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
↗ What does this mean?
Footing: Single track dirt w/ some rocks.
Hoof Protection: Shoes/boots recommended.

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Facilities: Big Meadows Horse Camp or Duffy Lake Trailhead

Water Sources: Yes, stock water in camp and at lakes.

Trail Info: Follow Duffy Lake Trail #3427 for 5.4 miles. At the junction take Santiam Lake Trail to the right for 1.4 miles. At the junction near the lake, take the unsigned user trail down towards the lake for 0.2 miles or until you find the perfect picnic spot with a view.

Alternatively, you can ride to Santiam Lake from Santiam Pass Trailhead but when we tried to connect the trail in 2023 it was blocked and hikers reported it too be quite challenging.

Trail Challenges: Elevation gain, bees in late summer/fall, water crossings, the most dedicated blood eating mosquitos you will ever meet if the snow hasn’t fully melted. Ask me how I know…

Permits: Self issued wilderness permit if camping at Big Meadows Horse Camp. Day users must have a Central Cascades Wilderness Day Use Permit and start from Duffy Lake Trailhead.

Backcountry Sites: Yes, sites at Santiam Lake and reports of sites in the Eight Lakes Basin. Continue on to the Pacific Crest Trail for other options. Possible to connect this camp with Sheep Springs Horse Camp on the other side of the cascades.

Cell Service: Verizon – no coverage.

Fuel:

GPX File: OHT: Santiam Lake

Maintained By: Backcountry Horseman – West Cascades Chapter

Directions: From Detroit, Oregon, travel 25.6 miles east on State Highway 22 to Big Meadows Road (Forest Service Road 2267). Use caution as the turn into this camp puts you directly at the entrance to a passing lane and people come up on you very fast.

From Sisters, Oregon, head west on State Highway 126/ US Highway 20 for 31.5 miles to Big Meadows Road (Forest Service Road 2267). (Highway will merge and continue as State Highway 22 after 25.7 miles from Sisters). Continue on Big Meadows Road (Forest Service Road 2267) for 0.9 miles to Forest Service Road 2257. Proceed on FS Road 2257 for 0.5 miles to Big Meadows Horse Camp.

Resources:

Map: