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Past Activity

Berley and Craig Lakes

  • Start date: 07/28/2026

  • Start time: 8:00 AM

Description:

The Obsidians have had numerous trips to Berley Lakes, but always in the winter or late fall. It's also a nice place to hike to in the summer. I'd also like to scramble up to Craig Lake. When I was last there, it was a great swimming lake. The plan is to make this a loop hike where we'll use the PCT and Santiam Lake trail to get to Berley Lakes, then use the Old Santiam trail to get back. This will involve a short car shuttle, so it depends on having enough vehicle space. This hike pencils out as being moderate, but be prepared for an off-trail scramble to Craig Lake. Some of us may decide to stop at Takokas Restaurant after the hike.

  • Event Leader: Steven Johnson

  • Event Leader Phone: +15415202470

  • Event Leader Email: stevenj7675@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: Behind McDonalds, 57th and Main in Springfield

  • Rating: Moderate

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 155

  • Season: 2026

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Lunch, water, sunscreen, water shoes, and ten essentials

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 9

  • Member Fees: —

  • Elevation Gain: 1200

  • Non-Member Fees: 8

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

Berley Lakes is a trip that\'s typically a winter ski destination; however, I\'ve always wanted to explore these two lakes in the summer. It turns out that both Upper and Lower Berley Lakes make for a great day hike, giving us beautiful views of Three Fingered Jack with the added bonus of both lakes being great swimming lakes. After lunch, we followed the Old Santiam Trail to Craig Lake, which was abandoned decades ago. We wandered a bit until we found a steep scramble trail that took us to this beautiful, secluded lake that was so inviting that nine of our group of 12 went for another swim. After the hike, most of our group stopped at Takodas Restaurant.