Canyon Creek Meadows in Deschutes National Forest is one of the most popular day hikes and backpacking trails to complete in the summertime. Especially in the months of July and August, the trail is going to be the most popular because of wildflowers and weather.
Mount Jefferson Wilderness is home to Three Fingered Jack, and this trail will get you to the base of that mountain. Three Fingered Jack is a 100,000-year-old extinct volcano, easily one of the most unique looking volcanoes in Oregon.
One thing that makes this trail unique, is the mountain goats that live there. While they’re not as friendly as goats in Washington, it is possible to see them high on the ridges. We got lucky enough to see them on sunrise before we packed up camp.
Whether your completing this trail as a day hike, or as a backpacking trip, on this blog post you will find everything that you need to know before you go.
Trail Specs
There are a few different trailheads that you can access the Canyon Creek Meadows Loop in Oregon from, but this is from the shortest trailhead at Jack Lake. The Jack Lake trailhead is at 5,200 feet, so be sure to be prepared for climates at this elevation.
An alternate route can happen from the PCT/Santiam but this will make your hike about 10 miles to the meadows. If your wanting a longer trek, most like to do the complete Three Fingered Jack Loop which is 25 miles long with 3,641 feet of elevation gain. Round Lake is an alternative entry point but the Jack Lake Trailhead is going to be the shortest route to the stunning Canyon Creek Meadows.
The forest service asks that you take a one-way route and do the hike clockwise. Because of the amount of hikers in the summertime, this makes a more enjoyable experience for all. Trust me, you will want to complete the entire loop hike its beautiful.
Permits are required for this trail June 15-October 15 through Recreation.gov. Cascade Central Wilderness Permits are released on a 7-day rolling window before the date you want to hike. If this hike is done without a permit, a fine of $250 can happen, and yes, there are people out there checking! Overnight permits are given for 12 people per day in this area-so getting a permit for overnighting can require planning.
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Length: 7.4 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1,597 feet of elevation gain
What Is the Terrain Like?
The trail starts out on a sandy trail through exposed sections of old burns. Keep in mind that the trail can get quite hot for dog paws during the hot summer days.
The best time of year to visit this trail is mid to late August because the mosquitoes are mostly gone. July is going to be the most buggy time to visit!
After walking through this exposed area, your greeted with a forest portion of the hike, with stunning moss covered trees and the coolness that the forest brings.
After about two miles, the trail opens up with views of Three Fingered Jack, and wildflowers and streams start to greet the eyes with their magic. It’s truly spectacular mid-August.
After you have first signs of Three Fingered Jack, there is a campsite uphill to the right if you don’t want to continue on. If you continue on to where the trail takes a right before the glacier portion of the trail, the best campsites can be found with open views of Three Fingered Jack, and the big meadow.
After walking through forested trails, the trail changes once you reach the big meadow before the final push to the Glacier View portion of the trail.
Glacier View
If your doing the Canyon Creek Meadows hike in Oregon, you must finish the last section of the trail to the glacier view. During certain times of the year it can be turquoise. For us mid-August, the lake had a darker color. We were greeted with moody skies and it was so incredibly beautiful to be the only people up there.
Use caution when doing this portion of the trail as there is a lot of loose scree and rock. Keep dogs on leash, and use a trekking pole to make this portion easier.
Where Are Campsites?
When camping in the backcountry, it is important to put your tent on a durable surface, 200 feet away from a water source. if there are signs stating that the campsite is closed, it is important to abide by that.
On All Trails, the campsites are marked on the map, and abide by that. There are campsites at Jack Lake, and before approaching the big meadow at the base of Three Fingered Jack.
We found, that the best campsites are to the right of the Big Meadow, the ones furthest into the trail. There are three campsites here that have flat, durable surfaces with views of Three Fingered Jack. It is important that you do not camp in the meadows, even though it might look flat, or like somebody has camped here in the past.
Gear to Bring
When going into the backcountry, it is essential to be prepared with everything that you might need. I like to be comfortable in the backcountry-so I like to pack a little bit more than most.
This is just a basic rundown of what you need, everything else from food and base layers can be chosen. There is no risk for bears in this area so no need for bear storage or hanging your food! To find a list of everything that I bring, go here! Additional questions? Find me on Instagram and lets chat!
Backpack: Over the years I have used Gregory backpacks for backcountry trips. My favorite women’s packs are the Deva backpacks , and I typically use a 55L on one night trips and a 65L for multi-day treks. My husbands favorite mens back from Gregory is the men’s Baltoro 65L.
Emergency Device: Having a way to communicate in case of an emergency is important. While it’s great Apple has their satellite communication option, I like having something that works 100% of the time. The Garmin InReach Mini2 is really all you need to feel safe knowing you can contact loved ones. Garmin has a new device, the InReach Messenger, which can offer texting, limited weather updates, and SOS communication.
Sleep System
Tent: Big Agnes UL3 Person Tent: I have had this tent for over 5 years now with zero issues. I opted for the three person tent because of backpacking with my dogs. It also has two vestibules so that each person can exit and place their gear outside of the tent.
Sleeping Pad: Big Agnes Divide sleeping pad is good if your a side sleeper like I am. Sense a trend here? Big Agnes fan!
Pillow: Yes, it is important to bring a pillow into the backcountry. I recently upgraded to the Nemo Fillo Pillow and also take it on the airplane because it gets much smaller than a traditional travel pillow.
Sleeping Bag: It is hard to find the right sleeping bag for you, and its dependent on weather and how cold you get. I love my Big Agnes Roxy Ann sleeping bag. As a person who doesn’t love being cocooned in, I recently started using sleeping bag quilts and love them!
Sleeping Bag Liner: This might seem unnecessary, but it’s like adding a sheet to your set up. Having a sleeping bag liner like the cocoon keeps your sleeping bag from getting stinky. It also helps add extra warmth or keep you cooler, which is why I opt for the silk one.
Cooking System
What you bring into the backcountry for cooking depends on how many days and how far your going to be traveling. Since I’ve been backpacking for 8 years now, sometimes if its just a night I keep it easy on myself and leave the stove behind. I am also somebody who is sensitive to backpacking meals, so I try to have as much fresh food as possible for my trip.
Jet boil Mini Mo: I’ve had this for over 5 years now and it’s always my tride and true. Jet Boil systems have always been what I use as a backpacker, and for easy water boiling car camping.
Collapsable Bowl: This Sea to Summit Collapsable bowl is really all you need. I’m a big fan of ramen, oats, and ease in the backcountry.
Clothing
Depending on the time of year, that can change how many layers you want to bring. For this trip in mid-August, I wore one outfit, had a sleeping outfit, and a puffy jacket.
Patagonia Nano Puff: I have two of these-they pack down small and are great for layering with a fleece or undershirt for campsite hangs.
Darn Tough Socks: Invest in quality hiking socks will improve your hikes ten fold. Darn tough are my go-to for longer hikes all year round.
Women’s Hiking Pants: It is important to have good breathable moisture wicking gear when your backpacking. It dries fast too so you can wear it the next day on your hike out. I love the REI Trailmade collection of pants and shorts!
Hiking Boots: Every boot is going to work different on everybody! My tride and true boots are from Danner 600, they require no break in time and are extremely comfortable. My other go-to boot is from Salomon, which also requires no break in. These boots are extremely comfortable and have really great traction.
Backcountry Bathroom
On this trail, there are no rules about having to carry out human waste, but this could change. Keep in mind that you must dig a proper hole away from campsites to do your business.
Kula Cloth: a must for women in the backcountry-makes urination that much better. I’ve had one for years and trust that the anti-microbial does not smell.
Trowel: make sure your trowel is metal. I used to have a plastic one and it ended up breaking. This can also but used for getting your tent stakes into the ground.
Pin For Later!
Canyon Creek Meadows in Deschutes National Forest is one of the most popular day hikes and backpacking trails to complete in the summertime. Especially in the months of July and August, the trail is going to be the most popular because of wildflowers and weather.
Mount Jefferson Wilderness is home to Three Fingered Jack, and this trail will get you to the base of that mountain. Three Fingered Jack is a 100,000-year-old extinct volcano, easily one of the most unique looking volcanoes in Oregon.
One thing that makes this trail unique, is the mountain goats that live there. While they’re not as friendly as goats in Washington, it is possible to see them high on the ridges. We got lucky enough to see them on sunrise before we packed up camp.
Whether your completing this trail as a day hike, or as a backpacking trip, on this blog post you will find everything that you need to know before you go.
Trail Specs
There are a few different trailheads that you can access the Canyon Creek Meadows Loop in Oregon from, but this is from the shortest trailhead at Jack Lake. The Jack Lake trailhead is at 5,200 feet, so be sure to be prepared for climates at this elevation.
An alternate route can happen from the PCT/Santiam but this will make your hike about 10 miles to the meadows. If your wanting a longer trek, most like to do the complete Three Fingered Jack Loop which is 25 miles long with 3,641 feet of elevation gain. Round Lake is an alternative entry point but the Jack Lake Trailhead is going to be the shortest route to the stunning Canyon Creek Meadows.
The forest service asks that you take a one-way route and do the hike clockwise. Because of the amount of hikers in the summertime, this makes a more enjoyable experience for all. Trust me, you will want to complete the entire loop hike its beautiful.
Permits are required for this trail June 15-October 15 through Recreation.gov. Cascade Central Wilderness Permits are released on a 7-day rolling window before the date you want to hike. If this hike is done without a permit, a fine of $250 can happen, and yes, there are people out there checking! Overnight permits are given for 12 people per day in this area-so getting a permit for overnighting can require planning.
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Length: 7.4 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1,597 feet of elevation gain
What Is the Terrain Like?
The trail starts out on a sandy trail through exposed sections of old burns. Keep in mind that the trail can get quite hot for dog paws during the hot summer days.
The best time of year to visit this trail is mid to late August because the mosquitoes are mostly gone. July is going to be the most buggy time to visit!
After walking through this exposed area, your greeted with a forest portion of the hike, with stunning moss covered trees and the coolness that the forest brings.
After about two miles, the trail opens up with views of Three Fingered Jack, and wildflowers and streams start to greet the eyes with their magic. It’s truly spectacular mid-August.
After you have first signs of Three Fingered Jack, there is a campsite uphill to the right if you don’t want to continue on. If you continue on to where the trail takes a right before the glacier portion of the trail, the best campsites can be found with open views of Three Fingered Jack, and the big meadow.
After walking through forested trails, the trail changes once you reach the big meadow before the final push to the Glacier View portion of the trail.
Glacier View
If your doing the Canyon Creek Meadows hike in Oregon, you must finish the last section of the trail to the glacier view. During certain times of the year it can be turquoise. For us mid-August, the lake had a darker color. We were greeted with moody skies and it was so incredibly beautiful to be the only people up there.
Use caution when doing this portion of the trail as there is a lot of loose scree and rock. Keep dogs on leash, and use a trekking pole to make this portion easier.
Where Are Campsites?
When camping in the backcountry, it is important to put your tent on a durable surface, 200 feet away from a water source. if there are signs stating that the campsite is closed, it is important to abide by that.
On All Trails, the campsites are marked on the map, and abide by that. There are campsites at Jack Lake, and before approaching the big meadow at the base of Three Fingered Jack.
We found, that the best campsites are to the right of the Big Meadow, the ones furthest into the trail. There are three campsites here that have flat, durable surfaces with views of Three Fingered Jack. It is important that you do not camp in the meadows, even though it might look flat, or like somebody has camped here in the past.
Gear to Bring
When going into the backcountry, it is essential to be prepared with everything that you might need. I like to be comfortable in the backcountry-so I like to pack a little bit more than most.
This is just a basic rundown of what you need, everything else from food and base layers can be chosen. There is no risk for bears in this area so no need for bear storage or hanging your food! To find a list of everything that I bring, go here! Additional questions? Find me on Instagram and lets chat!
Backpack: Over the years I have used Gregory backpacks for backcountry trips. My favorite women’s packs are the Deva backpacks , and I typically use a 55L on one night trips and a 65L for multi-day treks. My husbands favorite mens back from Gregory is the men’s Baltoro 65L.
Emergency Device: Having a way to communicate in case of an emergency is important. While it’s great Apple has their satellite communication option, I like having something that works 100% of the time. The Garmin InReach Mini2 is really all you need to feel safe knowing you can contact loved ones. Garmin has a new device, the InReach Messenger, which can offer texting, limited weather updates, and SOS communication.
Sleep System
Tent: Big Agnes UL3 Person Tent: I have had this tent for over 5 years now with zero issues. I opted for the three person tent because of backpacking with my dogs. It also has two vestibules so that each person can exit and place their gear outside of the tent.
Sleeping Pad: Big Agnes Divide sleeping pad is good if your a side sleeper like I am. Sense a trend here? Big Agnes fan!
Pillow: Yes, it is important to bring a pillow into the backcountry. I recently upgraded to the Nemo Fillo Pillow and also take it on the airplane because it gets much smaller than a traditional travel pillow.
Sleeping Bag: It is hard to find the right sleeping bag for you, and its dependent on weather and how cold you get. I love my Big Agnes Roxy Ann sleeping bag. As a person who doesn’t love being cocooned in, I recently started using sleeping bag quilts and love them!
Sleeping Bag Liner: This might seem unnecessary, but it’s like adding a sheet to your set up. Having a sleeping bag liner like the cocoon keeps your sleeping bag from getting stinky. It also helps add extra warmth or keep you cooler, which is why I opt for the silk one.
Cooking System
What you bring into the backcountry for cooking depends on how many days and how far your going to be traveling. Since I’ve been backpacking for 8 years now, sometimes if its just a night I keep it easy on myself and leave the stove behind. I am also somebody who is sensitive to backpacking meals, so I try to have as much fresh food as possible for my trip.
Jet boil Mini Mo: I’ve had this for over 5 years now and it’s always my tride and true. Jet Boil systems have always been what I use as a backpacker, and for easy water boiling car camping.
Collapsable Bowl: This Sea to Summit Collapsable bowl is really all you need. I’m a big fan of ramen, oats, and ease in the backcountry.
Clothing
Depending on the time of year, that can change how many layers you want to bring. For this trip in mid-August, I wore one outfit, had a sleeping outfit, and a puffy jacket.
Patagonia Nano Puff: I have two of these-they pack down small and are great for layering with a fleece or undershirt for campsite hangs.
Darn Tough Socks: Invest in quality hiking socks will improve your hikes ten fold. Darn tough are my go-to for longer hikes all year round.
Women’s Hiking Pants: It is important to have good breathable moisture wicking gear when your backpacking. It dries fast too so you can wear it the next day on your hike out. I love the REI Trailmade collection of pants and shorts!
Hiking Boots: Every boot is going to work different on everybody! My tride and true boots are from Danner 600, they require no break in time and are extremely comfortable. My other go-to boot is from Salomon, which also requires no break in. These boots are extremely comfortable and have really great traction.
Backcountry Bathroom
On this trail, there are no rules about having to carry out human waste, but this could change. Keep in mind that you must dig a proper hole away from campsites to do your business.
Kula Cloth: a must for women in the backcountry-makes urination that much better. I’ve had one for years and trust that the anti-microbial does not smell.
Trowel: make sure your trowel is metal. I used to have a plastic one and it ended up breaking. This can also but used for getting your tent stakes into the ground.
Pin For Later!
