The Erma Bell Lakes Loop, near Box Canyon Horse Camp in the Central Cascades, is a delight! This 8.5-mile loop in the Three Sisters Wilderness features six pretty lakes, a hidden waterfall, and lush meadows filled with wildflowers in season.
The Ride
The ride starts at Skookum Creek Campground, a short trailer ride from Box Canyon Horse Camp, about 80 miles east of Eugene. Pick up the Erma Bell Lakes Trail at the entrance to Skookum Creek Campground. After 0.6 mile, veer left on the Irish Mountain Trail. It will take you past Otter Lake.
Then go right on the Williams Lake Trail, which will take you past Williams Lake. After that, turn right on the Erma Bell Lakes Trail, which travels to Mud Lake as well as the Upper, Middle, and Lower Erma Bell Lakes. Between the two lower lakes you'll hear the roaring of the falls as the creek that connects the lakes drops 200 feet in 0.1 mile. Continue on the Erma Bell Lake Trail to return to the trailhead.
Fun Facts
The Erma Bell Lakes were named for Miss Erma Bell, an early-day Forest Service employee who died tragically in an automobile accident in 1918.
"Skookum" is a Chinook jargon word for an evil god of the woods. Indians avoided skookum places and considered them to be haunted. As far as we can tell, Skookum Creek Campground is not haunted.
The Camping
You can camp nearby at Box Canyon Horse Camp, which offers corrals, a toilet, and stock water in season. Before you go, call the Willamette National Forest's McKenzie Ranger District to be sure the water system works.
More Information
The Erma Bell Lakes Loop is covered in Riding Northwest Oregon Horse Trails, by Kim McCarrel, available at www.NWHorseTrails.com. Happy Trails!
