Pamelia Lake is a picturesque alpine lake located in the Willamette National Forest of Oregon as part of the Cascade Range. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and pristine surroundings. The lake is situated at an elevation of approximately 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) and is surrounded by towering old-growth Douglas fir trees, providing a tranquil and serene setting.
Pamelia Lake is also part of the Opal Creek Wilderness, which encompasses a vast area of pristine wilderness and is home to diverse plant and animal species. The lake and its surrounding trails offer an opportunity for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of Oregon’s wilderness.
About Pamelia Lake Trail
This trail is a 4.4-mile there-and-back trail located by Idanha, Oregon. It is dog friendly and rated as “moderate.” I found this to be accurate. Pamelia Lake trail is mainly used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May through October.
Camping is available near Pamelia Lake, with designated campsites located along the shore. These sites offer a rustic camping experience, and permits are required. The area is known for its limited development and is managed to preserve its natural integrity, making it a cherished destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and an escape from city life.
Memorable takeaways
One of our favorite things about this trail was actually the smell! Upon entering the trail, you are hit with the most amazing pine smell. It may have been due to some of the upended trees but this trail turns the clean sappy smell up to 11.
Note: You are not supposed to let dogs drink for the lake as there is some form of toxic Blue-Green Algae that can be fatal to dogs. So it may be best to bring enough water for you and your favorite doggo.
This is the view of the Lake at the end of the trail. FYI, it’s not a loop, but rather a there-and-back 4.4 mile hike. We have a strong preference for loop trails, but the views are very much worth the hike here. The lake is set in a serene valley, with Mount Jefferson on the left side, just out of frame.
There were campers around the lake, but the campground was far enough away for the lake to feel very private. That said, as with all popular hikes, I’d recommend going on the earlier side of the morning to make sure you have the lake to yourself [we were there by 7:30am].
Detroit Dam
The Detroit Dam parking is just off Route 22, North Santiam Highway, by the dam itself. You can see it in the picture below on the left-hand side. Once you park, there is a walkway that allows you to go all the way across and get a really good vantage point for pictures. You may also catch some people fishing off the dam’s side.
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