Name: Marion Lake Trail #3436
Rating: 4.0

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Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · Swimming · Views

Family Friendly This trail gains 1,000 feet but very moderately on obstacle-free, wide singletrack. The lake is a great family spot to enjoy or camp at.

The gravel road to the trailhead should be accessible to any car during summer, but be sure to check conditions before you set out.

Need to Know

USFS Info here: fs.usda.gov/recarea/willame…

New for 2021, this trail will require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for overnight use for day-use. Parking: a valid recreation pass may be used as a form of fee payment or Central Cascades Wilderness Permit holders must leave a copy of their permit trailhead pass on windshield in vehicle.
No campfires are allowed at either Marion or Ann Lakes.

Wilderness Regulations apply.

Description

Parking is available for about 15 cars at the main trailhead with spill over parking outside the TH gate. Don't park on the northside of the main parking area. Parking will fill up fast on weekends - this is a popular trail. There is a pit toilet and information kiosk.

The trail begins behind the toilet, not at the end of the parking area. This trail will quickly enter very impressive old growth in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness Area as it slowly gains elevation. Overall the trail is wide, easy, and pleasant going - suitable for all hiking levels. There are some quasi-switchbacks at about a mile in to keep the grade minimal. At about a mile and a half you'll come to the Lake Ann outflow which passes through rocks below your feet - listen to the water you can't see! Next comes Lake Ann itself. At about 1.75 miles you'll pass Marion Outlet Trail #3495 which can be combined with this trail and Blue Lake Trail #3422 to create an easy loop of ~6 miles and/or to access Marion Falls via a steep informal trail. Continue on over a talus field that can require some careful footing and boasts great fall colors from the maples growing up through the rocks. After this you'll come to Blue Lake Trail #3422 and get your first views of Marion Lake. Be sure to visit the water's edge for awesome views of cathedral-like Three Fingered Jack. The trail climbs the bank of the lake and ends at an intersection with Minto Pass Trail #3437 and Lake Of The Woods Trail #3493. There are a lot of camping options around the lake but remember there are no campfires allowed.