Overview
The Mountain Lakes Wilderness in Winema National Forest protects a collapsed volcanic caldera in the Cascade Range south of Crater Lake, where a series of alpine lakes occupy the ancient bowl of a vanished volcano. At just 23,071 acres, it is one of Oregon's smallest federally designated wilderness areas, and its relative obscurity ensures that visitors who make the effort to reach it find a level of solitude rarely achievable in the Pacific Northwest.
Lake Harriette, Eb Lake, and Zed Lake are the primary destinations within the caldera. The volcanic rim provides elevated views over the lake basin and the surrounding Klamath landscape. The geology tells a clear story of volcanic creation: rimrock, obsidian deposits, and the classic bowl shape of the caldera floor where snowmelt collects to fill the lakes each spring.
The Route
The loop begins at the Varney Creek Trailhead and climbs to the caldera rim via the north trail. The route follows the rim and descends into the basin, visiting the primary lakes before climbing back to the rim and returning via the south trail. The loop provides views from both the rim perspective and the lake-basin interior.
What to Expect
This wilderness is genuinely remote with minimal infrastructure. Navigation requires a topographic map as trail signs are sparse. The small size means the wilderness is traversable but the terrain reward is high for a small area. Water from all sources should be filtered. Mosquitoes are active around the lakes through early August.
Nearby
The Sky Lakes Wilderness Trail begins from different trailheads to the north and provides a larger wilderness experience in comparable terrain. Klamath Falls provides full services about 40 miles east. The Old Crater Trail offers additional volcanic terrain exploration in the Winema area.
Leave No Trace
This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.
Safety Considerations
The moderate-hard rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout Winema National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.