Charlton Lake Trail

This trail skirts along Charlton Lake, continues past junctions such as the Round Meadow Trail #21.1, a spur to Found Lake, and the Metolious-Windigo Trail #99. It then ascends steeply to The Twins for a panoramic view of the Cascades. A loop return can be made via the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. Mosquitoes can be fierce until late summer.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Please use caution when recreating in areas that were impacted by the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire. In some cases, these hazardous conditions may persist for several years after a fire. Be very aware of your surroundings, follow warning signs, area closures and directions from agency personnel, and pay particular attention to these potential safety hazards. Be especially wary of hazard trees after rain events or during wind. When recreating in a burned area: LOOK UP for upslope burned areas, snags, and exposed rocks that may fall. LOOK DOWN for debris from falling rocks, erosion – especially at road and trail edges, and ash pits (which may form from root pockets or stumps of burned trees). LOOK AROUND. Be situationally aware. Check the weather before you travel, including at higher elevations. Wind, rain, ice and snow can increase the risk of tree fall, rock fall, slides and other hazards. Flash floods and landslide risks are elevated below severely burned areas. LOOK BELOW the surface of standing water and moving water for floating logs, submerged trees and other debris, which can strike or entangle swimmers and boaters and damage other infrastructure. LEARN MORE about impacted trails & recreation sites. See the Willamette National Forest for their information regarding the Cedar Creek Fire burned area on the Willamette National Forest.
Fees:	No Fee
Usage:	Light
Operated By:	Forest Service

General Information

Directions:

This trail begins 35 miles southwest of Sunriver, south of Forest Road 4290 near Charlton Lake. The trail is best accessed from Charlton Lake Trailhead, or where the trail crosses Forest Road 4290.

Activities

Mountain Biking

Trails in this area offer fun challenges, and terrain for skilled and fit mountain bikers. Riding beyond the Round Meadow Trail to The Twins is not recommended, due to a sustained steep climb. See additional information under Backpacking.

Day Hiking

See additional information under Backpacking.

Backpacking

On a clear day you can see vistas spanning from Mt. Shasta to the Three Sisters. This is a wild old growth forest and an area that is less visited. Returning on the A Loop via the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 can be challenging to navigate around The Twins due to faint trails and snow drifts. Mosquitoes can be fierce until late summer.