High Lakes Trail

The High Lakes Trail is 16 miles out and back of very reasonable mountain bike trail. You can get a beer at both ends of this thing and the elevation gain is minimal. Start at Fish Lake or start at Lake of The Woods. It’s a great day for the whole family… unless, of course, you have no legs.

Driving

– It’s a 45 minute drive from the Crater Lake Drive exit off of I-5. Heading towards Crater Lake you cut through Medford on the expressway along the airport and when you re-emerge onto Route 62 where you turn left then quickly turn right onto Route 140 towards Klamath and Mt. McLoughlin.

25 miles later you will turn right towards Fish Lake. Oh, it won’t be easy. The signage is intermittent and small. Not sure why but I think that the snack shop there is the only thing putting out any kind of notice to stop, and turn right. Look for flags saying “Food” probably purchased on Alibaba. This small paved road heads down toward Fish Lake.

Parking

– At the lake you can turn left and park in the lot in front of the store-slash-restaurant for $6 or, turn right and park in the Forest Service parking area for $5. If you are a complete cheapskate you can find some dirt patches along the road before the lake but c’mon, the five bucks goes to fight forest fires and keep the trail clear.

Biking

– Speaking of a clear trail remember that just because the snow is melted doesn’t mean the fallen trees have been removed. A lot of trees fall every winter. Call Lake of The Woods and they usually have an idea if the trail has been cleared 866-201-4194.

Okay, get on your bike and ride back up the road you drove down on. Quickly to your right you will see the High Lakes Trail and the sign. Off you go nice and smooth for 2 miles where you will cross the PCT. The next 2 or 3 miles will be through the lava fields at the base of Brown Mountain. There’s a slight uphill up to here. Very slight. I shouldn’t have even mentioned it. Forget I even said anything.

The last 3 or 4 miles is a smooth glide down towards Lake of The Woods. You will pass the Brown Mountain Trailhead at mile 6. and from here on there are a couple roads and trails to cross but alway move straight ahead until… you hit Lake of The Woods.

Turn left at the lake! The trail over to the lodge has some options. I recommend that when you arrive at the first asphalt/parking area you turn left on the trail that goes to the “Resort” and circumnavigates the confusing dock and campsite areas. That’s right – I just dropped ‘circumnavigate’ on you – you’re welcome.

When the trail hits the main road that heads to the entrance of the “Resort” turn right and go there. Boom. 8 miles. Time for a sandwich. Then back the way you came.