For those who have the time, this is a beautiful section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as it lies within the beautiful Sky Lakes Wilderness. It offers outstanding vistas and many opportunities for side excursions. The saddle between Devil’s Peak and Lee Peak is usually impassable to horses through most of July due to the steep snowfield on the north side. The lake basins are notorious for hungry mosquitoes in early summer. Many hikers prefer to tackle this one early in the season since melting snowdrifts provide water where later in the season there is none. Travelers on horseback should wait until August.

Carry lots of water! This trail follows ridge tops and drinking water is very scarce along most of its length, unless you take Pacific Crest Trail side excursions. Visitors should be aware that water in the wilderness and backcountry areas may not be safe to drink. Water is not tested and should be purified before drinking.

Directions: From White City: Travel east on State Highway 140 across the forest boundary. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses the highway about 1.5 miles east of Fish Lake. Parking is limited here since hikers seldom start and end a trip at this point. It is more common to arrange to be dropped off and picked up at an agreed date at Crater Lake or vice versa.

Seasonal Access: Normally Accessible: June-October

Facility Type: Trail