Seven Lakes Basin

The objectives of this scouting hike were a) to find a less punishing way to access the Seven Lakes Basin and b) to check out the alternatives for visiting the lakes. The drive is 71 miles each way and 1 hour 20- 1 hour 30, depending on speed driven. With the help of an Oregon Atlas we found a preferred way to access the TH. Instead of exiting the West Side Road at 16.8 miles, we continued a mile or so to Hackler Road, turned left, and then left again at Nicholson Road and straight to FR 3334 which goes 6 miles to the TH. This way we avoided 3 miles of gravel road in exchange for 4 miles of paved highway.

Dan’s comments on confusing road numbering were born out, but coming from Nicholson Road there were good signs directing us to 3334 and the TH. This would be how locals from Klamath Falls access the TH through Fort Klamath.

From the TH, which has toilets and a good parking area, we did 1.7 miles on an excellent trail to the PCT, then 2 miles to a cut off descending to the lakes. We had lunch at Middle Lake, then on to Cliff Lake after which we continued sharp left on the Seven Lakes Trail to the PCT and back to the TH. The trails were well signed so no problem with directions. The lakes were beautiful close up, especially the smaller Cliff Lake, and the lakes are much larger from close up then looking down on them.

In all we did 11 miles and the only thing we would change is we would have lunch at Cliff Lake. We succeeded in finding a more hiker friendly way of accessing the area than the rock strewn Seven Lakes Trail. A thoroughly fun day and we concluded the area is worth at least 2 hikes a year, one from Seven Lakes TH to the PCT and Shale Butte for lunch, and one doing the Basin loop as we did today. Hardier souls could climb Devils Peak from Sevenmile Marsh but that is a 15 mile day. Keep in mind as well that Devil’s Peak is only 200 feet higher than the PCT near Shale Butte.

The loop hike takes roughly 5 1/2 hours of walking. We left Ashland at 7:40 and got back at 6 PM. Well worth it. A glass of wine on my terrace finished the day as the sun went down.

Thank you to fellow scouts Liz, Jerry and Rich.

Hike Leader: Kerr

Photos By: Jerry