Duffy Lake sits within the Mount Jefferson Wilderness just over an hour from Bend, Oregon. This Central Oregon trail is assessible from Big Meadows Horse Camp or Duffy Lake Trailhead. You may continue on to Santiam Lake for a longer ride.
Trail Stats:
- 11.2 miles out and back.
- Elevation Gain: 1,212 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1,205 feet
- Max Elevation: 4,826 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
↗ What does this mean? - Footing: Single track dirt w/ rocky sections.
- 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. Arrive at the spur trail to Duffy Lake.
Trail Challenges: Elevation gain, bees in late summer/fall, water crossings.
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: Chevron (smaller rigs, can be busy) – 1001 Railway, Sisters, OR 97759
GPX File: OHT: Duffy 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:
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