Goodbye Crater Lake, So Long Sparks Lake: This Mountain Lake Chain Is A Paradise For Hiking And Fishing

Oregon has over 1,400 glistening lakes, meaning there's likely a perfect one for your adventure. Two standouts are Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, and Sparks Lake, a haven for hiking and fly fishing. However, outdoor enthusiasts eager to lace up their boots and leave civilization in the parking lot for a few hours (or days) should also consider visiting the Rosary Lakes.

The Rosary Lakes are a chain of three hike-in lakes nestled in the Deschutes National Forest of Central Oregon. Their Caribbean blue waters are ringed by all of the typical scenery you'd expect, including mountains dotted with towering evergreen trees. The three teardrop mountain lakes were named for their shapes, appearing like beads on a rosary. Each body of water is just a short distance apart, giving you three options to fish, swim, or find a quiet and relaxing outdoor space. 

While these destinations are often less crowded compared to Crater and Sparks lakes, they are located on an accessible section of the Pacific Crest Trail. You don't have to be an ardent backpacker to enjoy this trek and reap the reward. The trail is well cared for and pet-friendly, making it a great choice for beginner backpackers as well as hard-core thru-hikers. 

The farthest lake from the trailhead, North Rosemary Lake, is less than 4 miles up the trail, while the largest, Lower Rosary Lake, is about 3 miles away. The first 2 miles of the hike are relatively flat and traverse through a beautiful forest of fir, pine, hemlock, and spruce trees. As you meander, keep your eyes out for wildflowers and the giant Odell Lake, another beauty in the forest. While you can finish your hike in just over three hours, you'll likely want to sit back and enjoy the views of Pulpit Rock, throw a line in the water, or just enjoy the scenery.

Once you've finished your hike, cap off your walk with a picnic, a swim in the clear, cold blue water, or an afternoon of fishing. Lower Rosary Lake has a healthy brook trout population, and Middle Rosary Lake is stocked with rainbows. If you're bringing a spinning rod, anglers have reported having luck catching fish with brightly colored lures. Fly fishers should bring a mix of dry and wet flies and wade out to get more room for casting. 

In the winter months, the three Rosary Lakes are a popular area for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, accessible from the neighboring Willamette Pass Ski Resort. However, it's a challenging trek as the trail climbs up 600 feet. Skiers are recommended to have experience in the backcountry. If you're visiting during winter and don't have your equipment, the resort has rental ski and snowshoe equipment available that can be reserved ahead of time. If you're looking for a winter adventure near the lakes, spend the night in the Maiden Peak Shelter. The fully-enclosed backcountry cabin has basic furniture and a wood stove, but it can't be booked in advance by skiers or groups.

The Rosary Lakes are a popular rest stop for thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail or for more casual hikers to get a flavor of the backcountry. While it's a relatively easy hike, it's not a walk in the park, pun intended. You should be prepared for a backcountry adventure (the last bathroom is at the trailhead) and have all necessary hiking and camping gear, like a water purifier and food for your trip. Weather-wise, the best time to visit the Rosary Lakes is a short window between late summer and early fall once the snow has melted and the weather dries out. If you're planning to go between June and August, be prepared for mosquitoes and pack layers. Backpackers should be ready for temperature swings at night as well as sunshine. 

For summer and fall adventurers looking to spend the night, there are several primitive camping areas around the three lakes. However, Middle Rosary is noted to hit the sweet spot of having fewer crowds, better backcountry campsites, and prettier scenery. If you're new to camping, check out these five essential tips for mountain camping.

Whether you're coming from inside Oregon or out of state, this slice of heaven isn't hard to reach. The trailhead leading to the Rosary Lakes is beside Willamette Pass Ski Resort off State Highway 58. Travelers flying into Central Oregon can opt for either Eugene Airport (EUG) or Redmond Municipal Airport (RED); both are about 1.5 hours away. Before losing cell service, be sure to purchase a Northwest Forest Pass. While you're in Oregon, don't miss exploring another part of the state. One recommendation is to cruise down the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, where spectacular river canyons, history, and adventures unfold for 286 miles.