This is an B level Mazama Hike that occurs in a non-wilderness area. B level hikes are moderate or more challenging hikes with either less than 15 miles in distance with between 1,500 and 3,000 feet elevation gain or between 8 and 15 miles in distance with less than 1,500 feet of elevation gain.

Please check out the details tab to learn more about this specific hike, including the route name and meeting location.

Activity Notes

Before registering for this hike, if you are not a regular hiker with the Mazamas, please update your profile to include details of your hiking/outdoor activities over the past three months or so. 

I have not done this hike before which in Mazamas parlance makes it an "exploratory" hike. This trail is advertised as offering great fall foliage and spectacular views of the lake and Mt. Hood. The hike covers about 7 miles with 1400 feet of elevation gain. 800 feet of the gain is over a 1.5-mile stretch. The road to the trailhead can be rough and requires a high-clearance vehicle. Since my car is not up to the job, I'll need volunteer carpool drivers. If the Clear Branch Dam trailhead is full, we will have to park at the Laurance Lake day use area which charges $10 per vehicle.

To break up the return drive, we'll stop along the way to hike to Wahclella Falls which is a bit over 2 miles round-trip with 300 feet of gain. A NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking.

We'll carpool from the MMC parking lot departing at 7:30 am.

Other Information
General Route Info Will vary based on route chosen. Check the Activity & Leader Notes.
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