Diamond Peak Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A 24-mile loop, starting and finishing at the Trapper Creek Trailhead. Two portions of the route are cross-country. Mosquitos at this time of the year were numerous and bothersome.

Be prepared for mosquitos in the summer. Many of the streams and small ponds dry up, so be sure to plan for refilling at the large lakes and pack lots of water.

Start at the Trapper Creek Trailhead near Odell Lake and begin your journey on the Whitefish Creek Trail #42 until you reach an intersection about 3 miles in. Here you'll transition to the Crater Butte Trail #44 that you take west towards the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Maps and trail signs are a little lacking so be prepared to travel cross country and use a map and compass or the Trail Run Project mobile app. Also, mosquitoes were horrible during this July trip so plan to bring repellant and protective clothing.

When you reach the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) turn north and work your way along the east flank of Diamond Peak. You get great views of the surrounding area. There is a route that goes up to Diamond Peak if you are feeling the urge to summit, otherwise continue north. Along this route we found a spring just off the trail coming right out of the rocks that must start from the snowpack on the mountain. The water tasted great and was plenty cold and refreshing.

You can continue on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and take an auxiliary trail at Pengra Pass south to the Trapper Creek Trailhead or you can complete a small cross country trek to Yoran Lake and then take the Yoran Lake Trail towards Odell Lake and end at the Trapper Creek Trailhead.