Pacific Crest Trail: Sisters Mirror and Mink Lake Loop

 August 21-23, 2020

~46 miles

I had the chance to complete another section of the PCT in Oregon in the Three Sisters Wilderness. I was able to form a narrow loop using trails to the west of the PCT. Much of this area is covered in beautiful forest and I passed about 30 different lakes.  The area doesn't have many big mountain views, but I had the chance to see a spectacular view from Packsaddle Mountain.

For a detailed map (excludes Packsaddle Mountain) see Gaia.

I began from the Elk Lake Trailhead after a full day at work and 3.5 hour drive. I had almost decided to wait until another weekend but knew once I got on the trail it would be worth it. One benefit of Covid-19 this year, is that the new High Cascade Permits got delayed so I didn't have to hassle with reserving a permit and paying money. 

I started heading toward the PCT on the Horse Lake Trail. Soon I entered the Three Sisters Wilderness.

It was beautiful forest hiking. In a short distance I turned northbound on the PCT.

It was started to get dark as I looked up at the trees. I had enough water to dry camp for the night.

After about five miles and a lot of it hiking by headlamp, I reached Koosah Mountain and following directions in Guthook found a beautiful campsite about .1 northbound from the top. There was supposed to a nice view that I would see it in the morning.

Campsite near Koosah Mountain

I awoke just before sunrise. From my campsite I could see Mount Bachelor.

The South Sister was also visible above the trees.

I could also see Broken Top.

I backtracked a little to see the view from Koosah Mountain while eating some mini cinnamon rolls.

I could see Diamond Peak in the distance. I headed back to camp and finished packing up.

Looking toward Mount Bachelor

I could also see the Middle Sister through the trees.

I climbed up a little higher but the views weren't much better.

The trail descended to Sisters Mirror Lake.

There were quite a few others camped around the many lakes in this area. I found a reflection of the South Sister in the first unnamed lake that I came to.

I had routed out a small loop around the many lakes in the area. I stayed on the PCT and went by Sisters Mirror Lake.

Sisters Mirror Lake

Then I went over to the Nash Lake Trail Junction and turned around. I had about 2 miles to connect with the Three Sisters Loop that I completed in 2018 but decided to leave it for another adventure.

I took an unmaintained trail on the north side of Sisters Mirror Lake.

Then I went through many lakes. Some of lakes have names but I became confused exactly where I was.

It felt like I was in a different world. Around every corner there was a beautiful lake.

There were people camped at many of these lakes.

I came around a corner right beside three women sitting in chairs and had a brief conversation.

I looked at the map and thought I might get a better view of the South Sister from the southern end of Denude Lake. I was excited to see the view when I arrived.

South Sister from Denude Lake

From there I began my journey south on the Red Hill Trail.

This was a forested section.

I reached a trail junction and decided there would be enough other lakes to see and opted not to check out Horse Lake.

I saw a rocky cliff beside the trail and climbed up to a rare view.

I could see Broken Top, the South Sister, and the Middle Sister.

I think that's Horse Lake down below.

Broken Top

Then I reached a small pond as I neared many new lakes.

Herb Lake

Platt Lake

Fisher Lakes

Fisher Lakes

I reached a trail junction and joined the McBee Trail.

I went off-trail a little to find Lookout Lake.

In some places the trail wasn't that heavily traveled and vegetation was starting to grow over it.

Spy Lake

I went past some large trees.

I found a slightly distant view.

I descended to Corner Lake.

Then I took the trail to Goose Lake.

I stopped at the southern end of Corner Lake for a break and to eat some food.

Goose Lake

Then I took the trail toward Mink Lake.

Porky Lake

Porky Lake

Mink Lake is one of the largest lakes I passed. There were several campsites beside the lake and it was a more popular area.

Mink Lake

I took time to go for a quick swim to cool off. I think I could see Packsaddle Mountain across the lake.

After enjoying the swim, the trail continued along the lake.

There water was quite clear at western end of Mink Lake and a great reflection of the clouds.

Mink Lake

I took the Starwano Trail and then the Elk Creek Trail.

I dropped my pack and decided to do an out and back to the top of Packsaddle Mountain. There is a very faint trail to the top which in many places wasn't discernible at all and felt much more like bushwhacking.

Near the top I found several switchbacks.

There was a great view from the top.

I could see Mount Bachelor and a couple small lakes down below.

Broken Top

The best view included Mink Lake, the Three Sisters, Mount Washington, Three Fingered Jack, and Mount Jefferson.

Middle and South Sister

Mount Jefferson in the distance

Packsaddle Mountain Summit View

Mount Bachelor

I descended back to my backpack and then went off-trail to a small pond  to connect back to the Elk Creek Trail.

I reached Top Lake and almost decided to stop and camp but ended up continuing on toward the PCT.

Top Lake

I joined the PCT and passed several more lakes: Desune, South, and decided to camp at Mac Lake.

The main campsite at Mac Lake was already occupied and due to Covid, I decided not to camp nearby and went to the eastern side of the lake and found a LNT site.

Mac Lake

It had been a long day and I probably went about 30 miles. Most of the hiking was easy except the route up Packsaddle Mountain.

There was a nice view of Mac Lake in the morning.

I made my way back toward the PCT and could see the sun shining through the trees by a small pond between Mac and Merrill Lakes.

Merrill Lake

There was nice light as I hiked through the forest.

Next I reached Horseshoe Lake.

I took a quick side trip to Cliff Lake.

In one spot there were lots of big boulders beside the trail.

I met a couple other hikers who were both in their seventies: one was hiking the entire PCT in Oregon and the other had through hiked the entire trail about 20 years ago and was still in love with the trail.

Island Lake

Island Lake

I stopped for a break at Dumbbell Lake. There were several others camped out on the peninsula.

From there I continued in the forest. At one point I heard a whistle and a trail runner and his dog came up behind me. 

As I was hiking, I noticed the smell of smoke and wondered if it was from a nearby forest fire.

The trail did go through several meadows.

I reached a trail junction for the Island Meadow Trail and the distant views were hazy.

The hike was almost complete as I descended back to the Elk Creek Trailhead.

I exited the wilderness.

Hazy view of the South Sister

Soon I was back at the trailhead and another great hike was complete.

Overall, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this hike. With it mainly being in the forest, I had thought it might be boring, but with so many lakes it was easy to stay captivated by the scenery. Another blessing is that most of this forest hasn't burned yet so it provides shade and there was also some big trees.  It was also nice to be able to create a loop with the PCT. Many of these lakes would be great places to come hang out for a weekend, swim and relax with friends.