Beginning at an elevation of 5,600 feet, the Varney Creek Trail gently contours up the steep, wild-flowered slopes of the Varney Creek drainage. After crossing the creek, the path gains elevation as it twists through groves of lodgepole pine and across some meadows before climbing the edge of a large rock scree ridge, with a spectacular vista of the wilderness peaks to the north and west. Less than half a mile further, the trail ends at the junction with the Mountain Lakes Loop Trail. This trail is the most popular into the Mountain Lakes Wilderness; be prepared to meet other visitors. Please practice minimum impact visitation.

Directions: From Klamath Falls, Travel northwest on Highway 140 approximately 20 miles to the milepost 48 in the Odessa area. Turn left (south) onto Forest Road 3637 and travel 1.8 miles to Forest Road 3664. Continue 2 miles on 3664 to the trailhead at the end of the road. The trailhead offers a large turnaround and ample parking space.

Elevation: 5,600 feet

Ending Elevation: 6,600 feet

Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Distance: 4.4 miles

Usage: Heavy

Difficulty: Moderate

Visitor Information