Highlights
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Season: Late June to October (dependent on snow)
Notes: Mosquitos can be terrible between snow-melt and mid-August.
About this Hike
The Indigo Lake Trail (#3549) winds through old growth trees and high mountain meadows before arriving at its namesake lake. From here, there are beautiful views of the intensely blue waters and of the jagged Sawtooth Ridge that rises over the lake. There is plenty of opportunity for solitude for those who backpack in to the small and remote campground near the lake. Once at the lake it’s worth hiking the loop around the lake that begins at the entrance of the campground.
Several other trails can be accessed from here, leading into a vast roadless area south of the Diamond Peak Wilderness.
Getting There
From Interstate 5 just south of Eugene, take exit 188 and follow Hwy 58 southeast to the town of Oakridge. Less than a mile past the east end of town, turn right (south) onto Forest Road 23 at signs for Hills Creek Dam. In a half mile, turn right onto paved Road 21. Continue on FS Road 21 for 32 miles and then turn left onto Road 2154. From there follow 2154 to Timpanogas Campground. The trailhead is adjacent to the campground.
The road is a decently maintained gravel road and is doable in a small sedan.
Take Action
The River Democracy Act proposal would protect some of the headwater streams feeding both the Middle Fork Willamette and North Umpqua Rivers, which both originate in this area. Take action to support this bill here.
