Highlights
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Season: July to October
Notes: A parking pass or permit may be required depending on where you park. More info here.
About this Hike
Black Lake is in the glacially carved Elkhorn Range less than a mile from better-known Anthony Lake, which has a picnic area, boat ramp, campground, historic guard station, and nearby ski resort. Both lakes are just outside the North Fork John Day Wilderness boundary, and both are above 7000 feet along the Elkhorn Crest Trail, which affords the best views of the Elkhorn Range.
This short hike brings you to Black Lake, where you’ll find four campgrounds and great views of Van Patten Peak. Begin at Anthony Lake picnic area gazebo and 0.3 miles to your left, around the lake and near the boat ramp. From there you can take the Black Lake Trail past Lilypad Lake and through multiple meadows. Keep right at any junctions and incline 0.4 miles before reaching Black Lake.
Getting There
Take interstate 84 north of Baker City for 19 miles. Take exit 285 for North Powder and follow signs for “Anthony Lakes” for approximately 21 miles on a road that eventually becomes Road 73. Turn left for Anthony Lakes Campground, and fork to the right for a picnic area.
Take Action
This hike sits near the headwaters of three streams proposed as Wild & Scenic Rivers under the River Democracy Act proposal. Take action to support the River Democracy Act here.
