Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail to Russell Lake, Oregon
How cute is our friends new puppy! This was his first big hike and he did so great.
Driving Time: Portland (2 hours 25 minutes away), Portland (4 hours 50 minutes away)
Distance: 12 miles, out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Traffic: Lightly trafficked
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Bathrooms: Yes, at trailhead and pit toilets are in the backcountry
Hi everyone! I hope this post is finding you well. It’s a lazy Sunday here in Portland and the temperatures are still cold enough in the afternoon that we’re bundled in cozy pants and sweatshirts. Yesterday I hiked part of the Pacific Crest Trail south into the Jefferson Wilderness with my friend Paige, specifically the Jefferson Park area. I’ve hiked to Russell Lake in Jefferson Park before, but I hiked from the Whitewater Trailhead to connect with the PCT to head north into Jefferson Park (additionally it was during the fall). I think this way, hiking southbound on the PCT, is a much better trail with much better views! The last of the summer wildflowers were in bloom and we saw some little bits of fall foliage beginning to peak through. The day was very windy and cool so we didn’t experience any bugs. The elevation gain is spread out over a long distance so there are no strenuous uphills, which was wonderful. We only hiked down to Russell Lake because the dogs were getting a little tired, but you can also add a little bit more milage by hiking around Scouts Lake, Bay Lake, or any of the other little lakes in the area (there are a lot!).
This hike is on the land of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Tenino and Molalla. To learn more about Native Land please explore this resource: https://native-land.ca/ & https://native-land.ca/resources/