Breitenbush Lake
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes including this destination
- Breitenbush Lake Loop Hike (TH | <-- --> | LOG)
- Latitude: 44.76917
- Longitude: -121.77889
- Maps: Portland Hikers Maps Google Earth
- Elevation: 5500 feet
Contents |
Description
Much like Olallie Lake, Breitenbush Lake is a large lake with a grand view of Mount Jefferson. However, unlike its more famous neighbor to the north, Breitenbush Lake is not easily accessible by any stretch of the imagination, the campground on the north end of the lake is not as large or as well-developed as any of the campgrounds that ring Olallie Lake, and Mount Jefferson cannot be seen from the campground. Furthermore, Breitenbush Lake is known for having a truly astonishing mosquito population; any visit to the lake before mid-August will result in at least 20 bites, if not more. However, much like Olallie Lake, the scenery is grand and the lake perfect for boating and fishing.
To arrive at Breitenbush Lake, drive southeast from Portland on State Hwy 224 to Ripplebrook, some 25 miles from Estacada. From Ripplebrook continue straight on 224, which turns into paved FR46, passing signs for Olallie Lake. At Breitenbush Pass where FR46 begins its descent into the Breitenbush River canyon, turn left onto FR4220, following signs for Breitenbush Lake. After one mile of good gravel, FR4220 turns into a narrow, rocky, and very rutted track more suitable for jeeps than passenger cars. Drive 5.5 miles of worsening road past the Park Ridge Trailhead, and then continue another half-mile to the campground on the right. Along the way you'll enter the Warm Springs Reservation, who maintain the campground. Alternately, you can drive to Olallie Lake and continue along FR4220 up one of the worst stretches of road in the state to Breitenbush Lake.
There is much to do in the area. You can walk around the lake on a rough trail from the campground to the east end for a view of Mount Jefferson (see picture above), returning cross country around the lake near a stone shelter and returning via a trail that departs from the campground. The south end of the lake and in particular the southwest end of the lake is very marshy; this is where the mosquitoes come from. You can also backtrack half a mile to the PCT trailhead to hike the Jefferson Park Ridge Hike, or you can hike south from the campground on unofficial trails towards Kuckup Park and Harvey Lake, passing a stone shelter in a marshy area at the southwest end of the lake. DO NOT attempt to hike to these destinations without a good topographic map and a copy of 50 Hiking Trails in Northwest Oregon by Don & Roberta Lowe, who describe these trails in depth. Alternately, you can boat out on Breitenbush Lake or fish from the shore.
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
The lake is on Warm Springs Reservation land, and the campground is run by the Reservation. Consequently, there are many rules governing Breitenbush Lake and others on the Reservation. Swimming in lakes is prohibited. Fishing without a special permit is prohibited as well; you may purchase the permit at the resort at Olallie Lake. Hiking is discouraged but entirely legal, a gray area that has created quite a bit of confusion. Remember-you are on a Reservation, and you are subject to their rules.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Breitenbush Lake
- Adventure on the Breitenbush, pt. 2: Breitenbush Cascades, Breitenbush Lake & Kuckup Park (July 05, 2007)
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Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Breitenbush Lake
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Guidebooks that cover this destination
- 50 Hiking Trails in Northwest Oregon First edition (1986), by Don & Roberta Lowe
More Links
Contributors
- mattisnotfrench (creator)