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SUTTLE LAKE
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Of all the mountain lakes in the area, Suttle Lake - formed by a glacier from Mt. Washington - is one of our favorites to hike. The 3.25-mile loop is easy and you're never out of view of the lake. We like to bring a picnic lunch and eat in the Day Use area where there are ducks and geese waiting to be fed and the beach slopes gently into the water - perfect for young children. I remember being impressed with the balance and fortitude of the one-legged goose and how he didn't let his handicap keep him from hanging out with his gaggle ... until I noticed that all the geese were standing that way. :) |
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Along the north loop of the well-maintained trail, you can see Mt. Washington peeking out from behind a butte. We shot this photo in June when there was still quite a bit of snow on the mountain, which is unusual. |
We stayed at Suttle Lake one weekend in August, and spent the afternoon enjoying the green waters from a canoe. |
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We went back to Suttle Lake in January to find it frozen solid. Black Butte looms across the ice shrouded in snow clouds. |
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We didn't encounter anyone on the trail that day, but it was obvious other hikers had the same idea! Even with several inches of snow covering the trail, we didn't need our snowshoes. |
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I like to romanticize about living in a rustic lakeside cabin, such as this one. Gary and I wouldn't even mind being snowed in for the winter ... as long as there was Internet connection, cell phone service, a roaring fire with a good supply of firewood, and plenty of healthy dark chocolate chips for cookie baking! :) |
Elevation: 3443 feet Trail distance: 3.25 mile loop Rated: Easy Latitude: 44.41917 Longitude: 121.74861 Directions: From Bend, follow Hwy 20 to Sisters. About 12 miles past Sisters, turn left at the sign for Suttle Lake Resort. Turn right on the first road and cross a single-lane bridge. Keep to the right - 0.3 miles - to begin your hike at the Day Use area. Fees: No fees or permits required |
