Highlights
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Season: May to October
Notes: A portion of the trail may be closed due to hazard trees. Check the status here before you visit.
About this Hike
Located among old-growth ponderosa pine, the lakeshore and surrounding meadows have great plant and wildlife diversity. Walton Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and is an excellent fishing destination, with a popular campground and boat ramp.
The Walton Lake Loop Hike is a barrier-free access trail. The lake’s surroundings are home to white-headed woodpecker, belted kingfisher, spotted sandpiper, cinnamon teal, American coot, Steller’s jay, yellow-headed blackbird and Brewer’s blackbird. Nearby are aspen, old-growth Ponderosa pine and mountain meadows. From the trailhead this hike is an easy, 1-mile trek with minimal elevation gain.
Getting There
From Prineville, travel east on Highway 26 for 16 miles. Turn right at the junction onto County Road 123, which is marked for Walton Lake and Big Summit Prairie. Travel on County Road 123 for approximately 8 miles until it turns into Forest Service Road 22, and then turn left. Continue on Forest Service Road 22 for approximately 7.5 miles before arriving at the Walton Lake Trailhead on your left.
Take Action
Management plan revisions in this area could lead to weakened protections for large and old trees, and fail to protect remaining intact wild lands. Take action for the Blue Mountains here.
The River Democracy Act proposal would protect nearby Ochoco Creek as a Wild & Scenic River. Take action to support the River Democracy Act here.
