You Can Both Swim and Hike on This Mountain Trail in Oregon — It’s Summer Perfection

With endless mountains filled with fir trees and crisscrossed with rivers, Oregon is known for its fantastic hiking potential. During the summer, adventurers are out in droves to take advantage of the natural landscape and the temporary reduction in rain. And yet, the summer heat can also be tiring for many people and may make hikes seem somewhat unattractive as an activity. Luckily, a solution comes in the form of a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, which offers beautiful lakes for swimming and stunning views. 

It’s not just one lake, or two, but there are three lakes on this hike, aptly named the Lower, Middle, and Upper Rosary Lake Trail. The hike is a seven-mile, out-and-back trail that takes almost three hours to complete, if you’re not stopping to swim, of course. It resides in the Deschutes National Forest and is at a high enough elevation for snow to be present for almost half of the year. To avoid the worst of the snow, it’s recommended to visit from May to October, though snow on the trail can occur well into June. However, if you like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the snow, then this also might be the trail for you in the winter!

Although this is considered to be a hard hike in the winter, it’s more moderately rated in the summer with an incline that is so gradual that it’s considered by fellow hikers to be accessible to those who might have lowered or impaired mobility. The trail is well-marked, isn’t overly rocky or uneven, and is well shaded. Also, as with many hikes in Oregon, dogs on leashes are allowed on the trail, as are horses. 

The Pacific Crest Trail stretches from the Mexican border to the Canadian border and is known to carry some of the most beautiful hiking spots on the West Coast. This hike is no exception, with three lakes filled with blue glacial water, bushes laden with huckleberries, snow-capped mountains, and forests that stretch farther than the eye can see. In fact, its involvement means that although it is a slightly more remote hike (it does have parking and bathrooms at the trailhead), the trail, the land around the lakes, and the campground are exceptionally well-maintained. It also means that, again, although it is a longer and slightly remote trail, there will likely always be someone on the trail or in the area to call on for aid if needed. 

There are two main things to keep in mind on this summer hike. One is that the water in the lakes is exceptionally cold, and on hot days, you must be aware of how the contrast in temperatures could affect your body. The second pertains to bugs and animals. Mosquitoes are prevalent in the area during the summer, and ticks are always a consideration in any forested area (although Lyme disease rates are actually very low in Oregon compared to other states). As for animals, deer and birds will be common companions, including the famous bald eagle. But, there are also black bears and mountain lions in the Deschutes National Forest, which is something to keep in mind, especially considering that the Rosary Lakes have campgrounds. 

This gorgeous, peaceful hike is a breath of fresh mountain air (pun intended) and can be a perfect addition to any summer itinerary. Hiking and swimming don’t often go hand in hand, but when the conditions are as perfect as they are for the Lower, Middle, and Upper Rosary Lake Trail, how could anyone say no? If you agree, be sure to share this article with a friend, and let your summer hiking adventures begin!