Starting at Maxwell Butte snow park take the trail in front of the bathrooms. Follow the trail to marker 9 and turn right and walk a short distance to marker 10 and turn left. You will start gaining a small amount of elevation at this point but it is not steep. You will come to marker 12 and you keep going straight. You will find some points to catch some views. But the views get better if you keep going the short distance to the shelter. Once you reach the mountain view shelter you will be greeted with not only great views but maybe someone who is visiting the shelter. There are no reservations needed to stay ing the shelter and it fits around 15 people. There is a wood burning stove inside to keep you warm or help you cook your food. The net elevation gain is 600 feet and there are plenty of other trails you can explore or leave the way you came.

Mt. Jefferson

Jefferson Park is a stunning basin of alpine lakes and wildflowers at he base of Mount Jefferson. Once the blanket of snow melts in early summer, the wildflowers begin to bloom around July in a typical snow pack year. This makes July through September the best time to visit. 

Whitewater Creek Trailhead has parking for about 25 cars. The trail climbs through a dense forest of Douglas fir trees. Small sections of the trail cross boulder fields which you will have small boulders to walk over like stepping stones. After a few miles into the hike you will begin to notice the trees thin out and you are welcomed with views. Walking along a ridge you can catch views along the way such as Whitewater lake and Whitewater Creek Waterfall. You will come to a water crossing where you must walk through Whitewater creek. This is the only creek crossing without a bridge. The trail soon joins up on the PCT for the remainder of the hike into Jefferson park. You will get some stunning views of Mt Jefferson along the way with lovely meadows full of wildflowers. 

Once you enter Jefferson Park you will be treated to the amazing beauty of this area. The lakes offer views which reflect the mountain as if they are mirrors. Wildflowers abound and places to explore will have you wanting to visit again. This hike can be done as a there and back day hike or an overnighter.

Be aware that there are no campfires aloud. 

Adhere to trails as the vegetation is fragile.

Mosquitoes are no joke here so be prepared with spray. 

Camping is permitted in designated sites only.

Designated campsites  within 250 feet of a lake requires a reservation through reservation.gov. 30 sites around 5 lakes will be available. A reservation is required between Memorial day and October 1st with May 1st being the day reservations open.

You may camp in a pre-existing campsite outside of the 250 feet designated area if all campsites are reserved.