Arrowhead Lake Panorama (Klamath)

Arrowhead Lake is rightfully named as it sits up on a mesa overlooking the Obsidian Trail section of the Three Sisters Wilderness. The Obsidian Falls trailhead makes a great spot for an overnight stay and puts you smack against the flanks of Middle and North Sister.  Be prepared for a scramble as you follow a climber’s trail up and around the mesa to the backside of the lake. Don’t get caught only looking at the Sisters (and Little Brother) – looking north on clear days, you can see Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson, and Hood. You can make a half-day expedition up the gully to a relatively flat area at about 8,000 feet with up close views of Collier Glacier and the valley created by it, as well as the caldera.  Or if time/difficulty is an issue, you can make a day hike to Obsidian Falls and explore that area.  During the week solitude is generally easy to come by.

- Fellow Adventurist: Matt Schmidt (Medford, OR)