Near Varney Creek Trail #3718
Along the Varney Creek Trail

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Varney Creek Trail #3718

4.0 (2 Ratings)
A longer, but easier, way to reach the heart of the Mountain Lakes Wilderness.
4.4
mi
Distance
1,221
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Commonly BackpackedFall ColorsLakeSwimming
Access Issues
The usual federal wilderness area regulations and restrictions apply here. There may also be additional wilderness-specific restrictions in force; check with the district office if in doubt. Practice Leave No Trace (LNT) backcountry skills and ethics. Camp 100 feet from fragile areas; bury human waste at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. This trail is usually closed by snow from November to June.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.41mi
Distance
1,221ft
Elevation Gain
31ft
Elevation Loss
15%
Max Grade
6,729ft
High Point
5,531ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The 4.4 mile long Varney Creek Trail #3718 starts at the Varney Creek Trailhead on the east side of the Mountain Lakes Wilderness and climbs at a moderate gradient to meet the Mountain Lakes Loop Trail #3727. From there you can access Lake Como, Eb and Zeb Lakes, and Lake Harriette. Fishing and swimming opportunities are plentiful at these mountain lakes. The Varney Creek Trail #3718 is a longer approach to Lake Harriette than if you used the Clover Creek Trail #3722 coming in from the southwest. The advantage with the Varney is that you don't have an approximately 1,000 foot climb out of the lake basin at the end of your trip.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Brown Mountain Hike via Great Meadow

Hike Route

Brown Mountain Hike via Great Meadow

Lake
moderate
8.53 mi
+373 ft
Mountain Lakes Loop

Hike Route

Mountain Lakes Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
14.39 mi
+3,094 ft
Aspen Butte

Hike Route

Aspen Butte

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
12.6 mi
+2,780 ft
Mount McLoughlin

Hike Route

Mount McLoughlin

Birding
strenuous
8.61 mi
+3,950 ft
Pacific Crest Trail: Oregon Section C - Highway 140 to Highway 138

Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: Oregon Section C - Highway 140 to Highway 138

Lake
extreme
73.07 mi
+8,204 ft
Fish Lake to Brown Mountain Shelter

Hike Route

Fish Lake to Brown Mountain Shelter

Lake
extreme
25.33 mi
+2,449 ft
Contributors
BK Hope