The Marion Lake loop is a 16-mile lollipop loop from Marion Lake Trailhead in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Central Cascades Wilderness Permits are required between June 15 and October 15 for both day and overnight use when entering from the Marion Lake trailhead. Check out Recreation.gov for more information, or call 1-877-444-6777.

 

Fall colors on the Marion Lake Loop. (Michelle Thompson)

 

Start the Marion Lake Trail loop as it traverses through forests of Fir, Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar for 1.5 miles to Lake Ann. Keep going another .75 miles to Marion Lake. Start the loop either way, but left is the common way to go at the intersection of the Blue Lake Trail. Continue ascending to the Eight Lakes view at the peak of the loop six miles into the run.

 

Three Fingered Jack from the Blue Lake Trail. (Michelle Thompson)

 

Resume another 1.5 miles near Jorn Lake and the Bowerman Lake Trail. Stay left to keep running counter-clockwise on Bowerman Lake Trail. Find a nice descent through several small lakes for 3.5 miles to the Minto Pass Trail intersection. Stay left again on Minto Pass through mossy-covered rocks until the shore of Marion Lake is reached in a couple more downhill miles. In 2.75 miles is the Marion Lake Trail that leads back to the trailhead.

 

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