-Trail Name: Marion Lake Hike
-Enter/Exit Point: Marion Lake Trail Head (NW Forest Pass and Day/Overnight Permit may be required)
-Trail Type: Lolipop
-Difficulty Level: Easy
-Distance: 5.2 Miles
-Elevation: 900’
-Guide: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Marion_Lake_Hike
-Review: Ann and Marion Lakes are two beautiful lakes with multiple camp and connecting hike options. The trail starts from the Marion Lakes Trailhead which has a pit toilet and a handful of picnic tables. The forested hike climbs gently upstream before passing by Lake Ann. From here you can chose to hike clockwise or counter-clockwise. I hiked clockwise and enjoyed lush forests with the occasional lake view. There are a couple of camp spots before the “day use area” which offer easy water access and space for a handful of tents. I continued on to the outlet of Marion Lake which you follow nearly all the way back to the connection with the trail you hiked in on. Although there is some elevation gain, it is mostly gradual and the trail was a quick and easy hike to two beautiful lakes. I did need a Central Cascades Permit for Marion Lake which I was able to easily obtain on the recreation.gov website. Cheers!
-Rating: Bring a friend
Rating Guide:
-Gram it: Check out the pictures on Instagram because this one is not worth seeing in person
-Hike it: It’s short and sweet. Might as well knock it out in a day
-Bag it: Pack a bag and spend the night
-Bring a friend: Easy enough to bring a friend. Maybe this is where you can introduce someone to backpacking.
-Come Back: I will keep doing this trip it’s so good.