Cripple Creek Trail, Mt. Hood National Forest

Not every hike we choose goes according to plan. For this one we were attempting to hike to Serene Lake, we took a wrong turn somewhere along the way and referred to our map. We noticed trailhead 703 (Cripple Creek) would connect us to our original destination and decided to try it, without the guidebook or having any inkling how far and steep this trail would be...Cripple Creek to Serene Lake Loop is 10.8 miles total, taking around 6-8 hours to complete...well that would have been helpful to know considering we started this hike in the late afternoon.

Also, it is advisable to hike this in June-September, we hit snow pack at the Cache Meadow trailhead and decided this was a good time to turn around. As far as getting there, take Highway 224 toward Estacada. Keep right at the junction for North Fork Lake, stay on 224 for 19.6 miles turning left onto Pipeline Road toward Three Lynx. Drive .6 miles, you will pass through the small PGE town of Three Lynx, it will have a Children of the Corn vibe going on. Continue past this community for .9 miles and you will see the trailhead on the left right before the large pipeline and radio tower.

While we were unable to complete the Serene Lake Loop, I am determined to go back and finish what we started. Maybe next year we will turn it into an overnight trip, also note this trail is named Cripple Creek for a reason, it is a steep one, expect to see elevation gain of around 1800 feet.