Many Lakes Loop via Deer Lake Trail (Three Sisters Wilderness)

getting there

Take US-97 South from Bend to the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. Turn right onto NF-700  to NF-4630. Turn left on NF-4636 to Little Cultus Lake. From there to get to the Dear Lake Trailhead take NF-640 or access the Many Lakes Trailhead on Forest Road 4636, about 3.5 miles west of Little Cultus Lake.

Note: Only high clearance vehicles should attempt to travel the very rough 4636 Road beyond Little Cultus Lake. Low clearance vehicles should use the Deer Lake Trail access.

Central Cascades Wilderness Permits are required between June 15 and October 15 for all overnight use in the Three Sisters Wilderness areas.

on the trail

DEER LAKE TO MANY LAKES TRAIL

7 miles with 940 feet of elevation gain

From the Deer Lake Trailhead at Little Cultus Lake, hike 2 miles to Deer Lake. This part of the trail is open to mountain bikers. Deer Lake has a few BLM camp sites. Turn West to enter the Three Sister’s Wilderness on the Many Lakes Trail which passes at least seven lakes in 3 miles. The first lake is Merle and then Kinnikinnic, Phantom, Kershaw, and Hank Lakes. The last lake is East Hanks Lake and just past it you will have come 5 miles to the Many Lakes Trailhead on the South side. Hike 1.7 miles west from there on rough forest service road to reach the Irish Taylor Trailhead and Campground on the PCT.

irish taylor pct trailhead and campground to winopee lake trail

9.5 miles with 960 feet of elevation gain

From the Irish Taylor Trailhead, hike north on the PCT alongside Irish Lake. In 2.5 miles you will come to Brahma Lake which has a large group site and great swimming hole. Continue 7 miles to the junction with the Winopee Lake Trail.

winopee lake trail to cultus lake

10.5 miles with 540 feet of elevation gain

Hike 2 miles to pass Winopee Lake, and continue 3.3 miles to Muskrat Lake and a junction with Teddy Lakes. A feature of Muskrat Lake is an old cabin reportedly built in the 1920s by a man who attempted to raise Muskrats. The cabin is now sinking in the marshland. Continue to a trail junction past Cultus Lake back to Deer Lake and to the Deer Lake trailhead at Little Cultus Lake.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 2,440 ft
• High Point: 6,130 ft

• Land Manager: Deschutes National Forest
• Parking Permit Required: Central Cascades Wilderness Permit
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12