Strawberry Lake

Distance: 2.7 miles.

Elevation Gain: 560 feet.

The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness is a little gem of a wilderness area located just to the east of John Day. The mountains were first formed millions of years ago when an ancient seafloor buckled, creating the western part of the range. Later, volcanic ash and lava helped create the eastern half. Following that, glacial ice flowed down the mountain sides, creating their signature U-shaped valleys and carving out depressions in the rock which help form the 7 lakes that dot this wilderness. The wilderness is also known for its large quantities of wild strawberries that grow throughout the area.

The hike to Strawberry Lake begins at the Strawberry Basin Trailhead, adjacent to the Strawberry Campground at the end of Forest Road #6001. The trail climbs steady up the valley and over the remnants of a landslide which helped to form Strawberry Lake. March on through a forest of grand fir, western larch, ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine for 1.2 miles before reaching Strawberry Lake.

Strawberry Lake covers 36 acres of the valley bottom at the base of Strawberry Mountain and only averages 9 feet deep. Enjoy the views as rocky ridges rise along both sides of the lake. There are lots of places to camp along the shores of this beautiful lake if you feel like a short little backpack. There is also a trail that circumnavigates it if you like to view it from all angels. In addition, there are numerous other sites to see beyond Strawberry Lake if feel like further hiking, such as Strawberry Falls, Little Strawberry Lake and Strawberry Mountain itself.

Directions

From Prairie City, turn south onto Main Street and follow it until the junction with Bridge Street. Turn left onto Bridge Street and follow it until it leaves the city. This will involve another right turn to the south across from Depot Park. As Bridge Street leaves Prairie City, it turns into County Road 60. Follow this road for about 7 miles until it then becomes Forest Road 6001. Follow the forest road another 2 miles to the trailhead and campground at its terminus.

Things to Know

Passes: A free, self-issue wilderness permit is required upon entering the wilderness.

Dogs: Allowed and must be on leash or under voice command at all times.

Usage: Moderate

Open Season: Trails should be snow-free by mid-July.

Bugs: Mosquitos can be pesky well into August.