Gem of the Cascades - Diamond Lake

The view across Diamond Lake to Mount Thielsen

DISTANCE (Loop) ELEVATION GAIN DIFFICULTY

10.5 mi 331 ft Easy

Mount Bailey, a tephra cone and shield volcano in Oregon's Cascade Range

What To Expect

Diamond Lake in Oregon's Umpqua National Forest has been called the "Gem of the Cascades," and it's easy to see why. The Diamond Lake Loop, also known as the John Dellenback trail, circles the entirety of the lake. Portions of the trail take you through the forest, while other sections are directly adjacent to the lake shore, offering beautiful views of Diamond Lake's clear, blue waters, Mount Bailey, and Mount Thielsen.

Nearby Cascade Lakes Highway - the road has been cut through the mountain, revealing many feet of solidified volcanic ash from the violent eruption of nearby Mount Mazama (now Crater Lake National Park) nearly 8,000 years ago

For me, it was the view of Mount Thielsen's prominent peak that made this lakeside walk so memorable. Part of the Oregon High Cascades, Mount Thielsen is an extinct shield volcano that has experienced extensive glacial erosion over the past 250,000 years, resulting in the mountain's steep spire. The combination of the bright green grasses, reflective waters, and Mt. Thielsen's horn-like, snow-capped peak, make Diamond Lake feel like it belongs in the Alps.

Things To Know

The trail is relatively wide and level, making it accessible to walkers, runners, bikers, and in winter months, nordic skiers.

Due to mosquitoes in the more forested sections of trail, it's important to bring insect repellent. On a bike, the breeze keeps the bugs off, but if you're walking they can be a nuisance when the weather

isn't windy.

Now get out there and have fun!