Dive into a new realm within the Rogue Siskiyou National Forest, and discover a southern Oregon wonderland of lava rock, unbeatable views, and some fun along the world renowned Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)!
Start your journey at the Fish Lake Resort, or the PCT Trailhead at the Summit Snow Park. The majority of the trails around Fish Lake are "choose your own adventure" style, with no actual end to the hike. Coming from Snow Summit Park, take the short, quarter mile trail to the Pacific Crest Trail. Hang a left on the PCT where you cross beautiful creeks and some amazing greenery. This will take you across Oregon Highway 140. At this point you have hiked ½ mile. Carefully cross there and continue along the Pacific Crest Trail for another .2 miles where you will come to a fork.
From here you can turn right towards Fish Lake. This trail is a multi-use trail for hikers and bikes. Use caution if you decide to take this route to Fish Lake as many bikes travel down this trail at high speeds. The trail to Fish Lake Resort is a great way to go if you want to grab a bite to eat along your hike and maybe play in the water. The hike from this fork to the Fish Lake Resort is approximately 1.9 miles. The trail is wide and very well-maintained and you'll see spectacular views of Mount McLoughlin and otherworldly looking lava rock and formations. You will also likely run into many PCT hikers along the way if you are hiking in the summer months.
At the fork, you may also choose to continue down the Pacific Crest Trail which meanders in and out of forest patches and lava rock formations with spectacular views of Mount McLoughlin. There's no actual end point to this trail as it continues on to Brown Mountain shelter 11 miles down the trail. You can stop and turn around at any point. You may also choose to hike a ways down this route and double back to Fish Lake resort to grab some lunch or dinner and then back to your car at the Summit Snow Park PCT Trailhead.
Fish Lake/Brown Mountain Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Average Distance: 3 - 7 miles depending on route
Restrooms: Pit Toilet at Summit Snow Park PCT Trailhead
Optimal Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Good for day hiking, photography, picnics, dogs allowed with leash. Watch out for ticks and poison oak in spring and summer. Trails may become muddy or icy in the colder months.
From Medford to PCT Trailhead - Take OR 62 toward White City. Turn right at OR-140 and continue for approximately 31 miles to Summit Snow Park. Trailhead will be on the left. You can also begin your hike at the Fish Lake Resort along OR-140 which is approximately 3 miles before the PCT Trailhead along OR 140. Follow the roadside signs for best directions. Note there is a fee for parking at the Fish Lake Resort.
