Fawn Lake to Stag Lake
Low Point: 4800'
High Point: 5900'
Season: Spring/Summer/Fall
Difficulty: 0/5
Directions
FROM PORTLAND: Take I-5 South towards Eugene/Salem. Take exit 188, towards Oakridge and Klamath Falls, continue on OR-58. Just past a sign for Crescent Lake, turn South onto Forest Service Road 60. Follow for about 2.2 miles, turn right at the intersection (there is a small sign posted marking this as Forest Service Road 60). Drive another 0.3 miles, turning left at a sign for Fawn Lake Trailhead. Follow this for 0.2 miles, turning right into a large parking area. The trailhead is at the western edge of the parking lot (closest to FS Road 60).Trail Description
From the trailhead, the trail immediately crosses Forest Service Road 60, entering a dusty forest of lodgepole pines. While there is a bit of elevation gain on this trail, it begins as an easy grade. At about 1/2 mile, take a right at the fork for Fawn Lake (a left at the same fork takes you to Pretty Lake). The trail begins to climb more steeply until you reach Fawn Lake–there are some areas with mild-moderate blowdown, although nothing that prevents you from continuing on. (There is a really impressive old growth tree that must have fallen on the trail long ago, there is a dusty path around it.)
Take a break at Fawn Lake and dip your feet in the cold water, as you take in the view of Redtop Mountain and Lakeview Mountain, if you want. To continue to Stag Lake, take a right at the trail you arrived at and hike along the north side of the lake.
In about one mile, you will reach another trail junction, take a right to Stag Lake (the trails are well-marked here, continuing straight would take you to Saddle Lake, another incredible sight). Continue a little over a half mile, to Stag Lake.
It's important to note: There are NO established campsites surrounding Stag Lake (at least that I was able to find), but the terrain immediately surrounding the lake is flat enough that finding a suitable campsite should not be problematic.