Following the Mountain Lakes Loop Trail clockwise from its junction with the Varney Creek Trail, hikers descend to the northern shores of Lakes Como and past several smaller unnamed wilderness lakes off the main trail. The trail then climbs a short steep pass which provides the first view of Lake Harriette, the largest lake in the Mountain Lakes Wilderness. The trail then skirts around the northeastern shore of the lake and meanders up the lower slopes of Mount Carmine before steeply ascending the southern caldera rim. Views of the wilderness lakes and peaks are spectacular from this vantage point The route then switchbacks down a rugged rock scree, past the junction with the Clover Creek Trail, then continues west to the junction with the Mountain Lakes trail at an elevation of about 7,200 feet. From here is a perfect view of Mount McLoughlin. The Loop Trail climbs gently through a pass north of Whiteface Peak, then descends across a rocky face and into the caldera, passing between Lakes Eb and Zeb. In less than a quarter mile, the loop is completed at the junction with the Varney Creek Trail. The wet meadows and lakeshores along this route require the practice of minimum impact visitation to endure.

Directions: From Klamath Falls, The trail can be accessed via the Mountain Lakes Trail from the west, Clover Creek Trail from the south, and Varney Creek Trail from the north. Follow directions to any of these trails and follow them to the Mountain Lakes Loop Trail.

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Distance: 7.5 miles

Usage: Moderate

Difficulty: Moderate

Visitor Information