Overview
The Mountain Lakes Wilderness covers 23,071 acres of a compact ancient volcanic caldron basin in Fremont-Winema National Forest, south of Crater Lake National Park. Like Crater Lake, the Mountain Lakes basin formed when an ancient volcano collapsed into itself; unlike Crater Lake, the depression here filled with multiple smaller lakes rather than a single large one. The result is a wilderness loop that passes through the heart of this geological basin, visiting several lakes in a contained high-country circuit.
The loop is the primary backpacking destination in the Mountain Lakes Wilderness and sees moderate use given its proximity to Klamath Falls. The trail quality is good and the loop offers enough variety in terrain and lake character to sustain multi-day interest.
The Route
Varney Creek Trailhead to Wilderness (Mile 0 to 2.5)
The trail climbs from the Varney Creek Trailhead through a forest of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir before transitioning to mountain hemlock at higher elevation. The wilderness boundary is reached at approximately mile 2.5.
Wilderness Entry to Eb and Zeb Lakes (Mile 2.5 to 5.0)
The trail enters the caldron basin and reaches the first lake complex. Eb and Zeb Lakes are small, clear lakes in open hemlock terrain with good camping on the eastern shores.
Main Basin Loop (Mile 5.0 to 12.5)
The loop continues through the main basin, visiting Mountain Lakes and the surrounding cirque terrain. The basin floor is dotted with meadow patches and dominated by Shasta red fir and subalpine fir. Several unnamed lakes and ponds are visible off-trail.
Return Section (Mile 12.5 to 17.2)
The return leg descends the western drainage back to the trailhead, passing through old-growth forest and arriving at Varney Creek.
When to Hike
July through September is the primary window. Snow typically clears from the basin by early July. Wildflowers in the meadow sections peak in mid to late July.
September offers excellent conditions with minimal crowds and consistent weather.
What to Bring
Many backpackers carry 2 liters of water capacity. Lake water is available throughout the basin; treat or filter. Individual needs vary.
Bear canisters are recommended for wilderness overnight trips. See Bear Canister Requirements. A 3-season tent and sleeping bag rated to 20°F or lower are appropriate for July and August nights at basin elevation.
Trailhead Access
Forest Road 3637 east of Highway 140 provides access, roughly 35 miles west of Klamath Falls. The road is paved to the forest boundary then gravel. No permit required (as of 2026). No restrooms at the trailhead.
Nearby
The Sky Lakes Wilderness Trail accesses a much larger but thematically similar volcanic lake wilderness from a different trailhead. The Fourmile Lake Trail provides a shorter Sky Lakes alternative from the same general Klamath Falls approach.
Check current conditions at Checking Conditions Before You Go. Practice Leave No Trace 7 Principles around the sensitive lake margins.