Suttle Lake, OR

Vicinity Location:
About 91 miles southeast of Portland, OR in the Deschutes National Forest.

Directions:
From Portland: drive on I-5 south for about 45 miles and take exit 253 towards Detroit Lake and Bend. Drive Highway 22 for 80 miles and continue straight onto Highway 20 at Santiam Junction.

Drive 12.4 miles and turn right into the access road to Suttle Lake Lodge and Resort. The public access to Cinder Beach is across the bridge and straight ahead.

From Sisters: take Highway 20 west for about 13 miles. The highway makes a 90-degree left turn and about 0.5 mile later are signs for a left exit to Suttle Lake.

Pass the forest information kiosk and follow the signs at a right turn toward Suttle Lake Resort. The public access to Cinder Beach is across the bridge and straight ahead.

A Northwest Forest Permit is required to park here.

There are restrooms at the trailhead and along the lake.

Length and Elevation:
Total trip is 4.3 miles. Elevation at the trailhead is 3,470 feet. Total ascent is 410 feet and total descent is 410 feet. Highest point is at 3,478 feet. Lowest point is at 3,422 feet.

Trails:
Suttle Lake Trail with connections to Suttle Tie Trail and Lake Creek Trail.

The trail is open to hikers and mountain bikes only. Horses and e-bikes are prohibited. Dogs must be leashed.

There is at least one geocache for this trail at: N 44° 25.173 W 121° 45.333 Info at Geocaching.com.

Trail Maps:
Topo Map, Download Garmin .gpx file, Open Garmin .gpx file

Review: May 24, 2021
This hike has nice views of Mount Washington and Black Butte on clear days. Wander through the cabins and past the lodge to a bridge over Lake Creek and walk next to the forested lakeshore. Soon you pass Blue Bay campground which has restrooms near the lake. From Blue Bay pass camping areas along south shore and around the western end of the lake.

At Link Creek Campground which is at the western end of the lake, walk past site 20 and cross over a little bridge to stay on the trail. Continuing around the lake you’ll pass a boat launch with a restroom and a campground and a restroom closer to the lakeshore. You can see the highway across the road as the cars and trucks climb up the hill. The pleasant trail is always close to the lake as it weaves in and out of lake views. There are lots of vine maple, grand fir, and ponderosa pine along with Oregon grape and wild rosebushes along this pleasant trail.

Return back to the parking area and go have some refreshments at the lodge or enjoy the lake views a bit longer.

This nearly flat trail makes a scenic and easy hike great for children and anyone else who wants an easy hike. There are plenty of places to wade, swim, or fish.

Enjoy the photos!!
Gallery Pics
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