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ForestMatters, LLC

Sky Lakes Wilderness Loop

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon · 4 min read

Distance
9 mi
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
July through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
6 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • 200+ lakes in a single wilderness area on the Cascade crest
  • Volcanic geology: cinder cones, lava flows, and pumice flats
  • Sky Lakes Basin with Heavenly Twin Lakes as the centerpiece
  • Pacific Crest Trail access through the wilderness
  • South-facing slopes extend the season compared to north-facing Cascade wilderness

Overview

Sky Lakes Wilderness contains over 200 lakes in 116,000 acres on the Oregon Cascade crest, making it the most lake-dense wilderness area in the Pacific Northwest. The volcanic landscape that produced this lake density is geologically young: cinder cones, lava flows, and pumice flats fill the spaces between the lakes, creating a landscape unlike the glacially carved lake basins of the northern Cascades or Olympics. The result feels like high-altitude hiking in a landscape that is still being shaped by geological forces.

The 9-mile loop described here circles through the core of the Sky Lakes Basin, linking the Heavenly Twin Lakes, Isherwood Lake, and several smaller tarns in a route that stays largely within the main basin while offering ridge sections with wider views of the wilderness.

Sky Lakes Wilderness lies within Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest on the west side and Winema National Forest on the east. The main trail access from the Medford area uses the western Rogue River-Siskiyou approach described here. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the wilderness on its route between Crater Lake and the California border.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.5: Trailhead to Sky Lakes Basin

The trail begins at the Heavenly Twin Lakes Trailhead and climbs gradually through lodgepole pine and mountain hemlock forest toward the lake basin. The volcanic substrate is evident in the pumice and ash underfoot. The climbing is moderate and consistent.

At approximately 2 miles, the trail enters the lake basin proper and the first lake views appear. Isherwood Lake is the first significant body of water encountered, a shallow lake ringed with lodgepole and open rocky shore.

Miles 2.5 to 5.5: Sky Lakes Basin Circuit

The loop section circles through the basin, passing the Heavenly Twin Lakes (upper and lower) and several smaller unnamed tarns. The basin sits at approximately 6,000 feet with the Cascade crest visible above. The lakes here support wild brook trout; fishing is permitted under current Oregon regulations.

Camp options near the lakes are numerous and dispersed. The basin sees concentrated use at its best spots; aim for sites 200+ feet from the water when camping.

The Pacific Crest Trail junction is near the 4-mile mark. Day hikers typically bypass this junction and continue on the loop.

Miles 5.5 to 9.0: Return Loop

The return portion of the loop swings through the southern basin, passing Lake Natasha and several small volcanic features before returning to the trailhead approach trail. This section sees fewer hikers than the outbound route.

When to Visit

July through October is the reliable season. Snow typically clears from the basin by mid-July in average years. August is warm and the mosquitoes decrease from their July peak. September offers the best combination of clear weather, mosquito absence, and fall coloring on the mountain heather. October can bring early snow but the basin is beautiful when clear.

Check current conditions before heading out for snow coverage and any fire closures, which are a real possibility in this dry Cascade zone in late summer.

What to Bring

  • Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water. Lake water requires treatment. Individual needs vary.
  • Insect repellent is strongly recommended for July and early August.
  • Layers for the 6,000-foot elevation: nights can drop to near freezing in September.
  • For overnight trips, review bear canister requirements and the Leave No Trace principles for lake camping.
  • An offline map. Cell service is absent.

Practical Details

Northwest Forest Pass required (as of 2026). No restrooms at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed and must be leashed in the wilderness. Free self-issue wilderness permits at the trailhead for overnight stays. Group size limits apply; check the trailhead register for current regulations.

For veterans and active military free pass programs, see veteran benefits for national forests.

Getting There

From Medford, take Highway 62 north approximately 30 miles toward Crater Lake. Turn south on Sevenmile Road and connect to Forest Road 3780 via local forest road signs. Follow FR 3780 approximately 5 miles to the Heavenly Twin Lakes Trailhead. Total drive from Medford is approximately 50 miles.

Specific GPS coordinates and route details should be downloaded before heading out, as signage on the forest road approaches is sometimes incomplete. Cell service ends well before the trailhead.

Trailhead Parking

Heavenly Twin Lakes Trailhead off Forest Road 3780, southwest of Klamath Falls. Gravel lot. Northwest Forest Pass required (as of 2026).

← Back to Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many lakes are accessible on this specific loop?
The 9-mile loop passes directly by or close to 5 to 6 named lakes including the Heavenly Twin Lakes (upper and lower), Isherwood Lake, and Lake Natasha. Many more are visible from ridge sections. The full wilderness has over 200 lakes total, accessible on various combinations of trails.
Does this trail connect to the Pacific Crest Trail?
Yes. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Sky Lakes Wilderness and can be accessed from this loop near Wickiup Creek and several other junctions. Connecting to the PCT allows through-trips and extended routes heading north toward Crater Lake or south toward Mt. Shasta.
What is the best Sky Lakes Wilderness trailhead for day hikers?
The Heavenly Twin Lakes Trailhead provides the most direct access to the main lake basin. The Nannie Creek Trailhead on the west side gives access to a different portion of the wilderness. Day hikers from the Medford area typically use the Heavenly Twin Lakes approach as described here.
Are there mosquitoes in Sky Lakes Wilderness?
Mosquitoes are numerous in July and early August near the lakes. The combination of standing water and wet meadows creates significant mosquito habitat. Many hikers carry repellent and plan visits for late August or September when mosquito activity decreases.
Is Sky Lakes Wilderness crowded?
The wilderness sees moderate to heavy use from July through September, with the lake basin sections being most popular. It is significantly less crowded than high-use Oregon wilderness areas like the Mt. Jefferson and Three Sisters. Weekday visits or September trips see the fewest people.