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Sky Lakes Wilderness Trail

Winema National Forest, Oregon · 3 min read

Distance
16 mi
Elevation Gain
2,800 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through October
Est. Time
12-16 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
9 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Chain of alpine lakes on the Cascade crest between Crater Lake and McLoughlin
  • Sky Lakes basin with dozens of lakes in a volcanic plateau setting
  • Pacific Crest Trail junction and route through the wilderness
  • Mountain hemlock and whitebark pine forests above 6,000 feet
  • Exceptional late-summer and fall hiking with minimal crowds
lakeviewswildflowersalpine meadowwildlife

Overview

The Sky Lakes Wilderness in Winema National Forest holds one of the largest concentrations of alpine lakes in Oregon, strung along the Cascade crest between the southern edge of Crater Lake National Park and Mount McLoughlin. More than 40 named lakes dot the volcanic plateau, creating a landscape of open water, mountain hemlock forest, and wildflower meadows that is exceptional for extended hiking and backpacking.

The wilderness sits in a quieter section of the Cascades, south of the busy Crater Lake corridor and north of the heavily visited Rogue River area. This position gives it a character of relative solitude that makes multi-day trips here particularly rewarding. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the center of the wilderness, providing excellent directional trail through the lake basin.

The Route

The trail begins at Cold Springs Trailhead and climbs steadily through mountain hemlock forest to the wilderness boundary. The PCT junction is reached at mile 5, where the trail enters the Sky Lakes basin proper. The route continues along the Cascade crest through the lake chain, with numerous side routes to specific lakes. The described turnaround is at the deepest basin penetration practical for a two-day trip.

What to Expect

Mosquitoes are severe in July and early August given the high lake concentration. Carry effective insect repellent and a head net for early season visits. The volcanic terrain is generally good for camping but requires careful site selection away from lake shores. The PCT route is well-maintained and easy to follow throughout the wilderness.

Nearby

Klamath Falls, about 35 miles east, is the nearest city with full services. The Pelican Butte Trail provides a spectacular summit view over the Sky Lakes basin from outside the wilderness. Crater Lake National Park is 25 miles north.

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.

Trailhead Parking

Cold Springs Trailhead off Forest Road 3651 west of Klamath Falls. Gravel lot with room for 20 vehicles. No fee. Self-issue wilderness permit at register.

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More Trails in Winema National Forest

moderateout-and-back

Alta Lake Trail

5.2 mi1,000 ft gain
July through October

Hike to Alta Lake in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This moderate 5.2-mile out-and-back climbs through mountain hemlock forest to a quiet alpine lake near the Oregon-California border.

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Brown Mountain Trail

7 mi900 ft gain
May through November

Hike the Brown Mountain Trail in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This moderate 7.0-mile out-and-back traverses a young lava flow on the flank of Brown Mountain with views toward Mount McLoughlin.

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Mountain Lakes Wilderness Trail

17 mi3,200 ft gain
July through October

Backpack the Mountain Lakes Wilderness Loop in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This moderate-hard 17.0-mile loop circles a collapsed volcanic caldera with multiple high lakes in one of Oregon's smallest wilderness areas.

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moderateout-and-back

Old Crater Trail

5.8 mi1,100 ft gain
June through October

Explore the Old Crater Trail in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This moderate 5.8-mile out-and-back visits an ancient volcanic crater with views over the Klamath Basin and access to obsidian deposits.

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Pelican Butte Trail

7.6 mi2,700 ft gain
July through October

Summit Pelican Butte in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This strenuous 7.6-mile out-and-back climbs to an 8,036-foot summit with a historic fire lookout and panoramic views over Klamath Lake and the Sky Lakes.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Sky Lakes South Trail

9 mi1,800 ft gain
July through October

Hike the Sky Lakes South Trail in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This moderate 9.0-mile out-and-back approaches the southern Sky Lakes Wilderness from the Klamath side, reaching a cluster of alpine lakes on the Cascade crest.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

Westside Trail

6 mi200 ft gain
April through October

Hike the Westside Trail along Upper Klamath Lake in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This easy 6.0-mile out-and-back follows the western shore of Oregon's largest lake through rare marsh and canoe trail habitat.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Sky Lakes Wilderness Trail require a permit?
A free wilderness permit is required for overnight camping in the Sky Lakes Wilderness. Permits are self-issued at trailhead registers. Day hikers do not require a permit. Verify current regulations with the Klamath Ranger District (as of 2026).
How many lakes are in the Sky Lakes basin?
The Sky Lakes basin contains over 40 named lakes along the Cascade crest, ranging from small tarns to large alpine lakes. The concentration of lakes in this area is unusual and gives the wilderness its name.
Does the Pacific Crest Trail pass through Sky Lakes Wilderness?
Yes. The PCT passes through the Sky Lakes Wilderness along the Cascade crest, and the Sky Lakes basin is one of the highlights of the Oregon PCT. The trail junction is about 5 miles from the Cold Springs Trailhead.
When is the best time to visit Sky Lakes Wilderness?
Mid-July through October offers the most reliable conditions. The basin can retain snow through early July. Mosquitoes are heavy in July and early August due to the high concentration of lakes. Late August through October brings cooler temperatures, fewer insects, and excellent fall colors.