Trail Description

The Suttle Lake Loop trail is a scenic 3.6-mile lightly trafficked trail around the lake’s edge. It is suitable for hikers of most abilities and is not far from Sisters, Oregon. If you want to take advantage of the variety of activities the optimal time to go would be from May to November. That said, if you are just going to hike the lake it is very pretty in Winter as well. This trail is also open to dogs, although they must be kept on a leash.

About Suttle Lake Loop

Suttle Lake loop is in the Deschutes National Forest. Beyond being a very scenic place for a stroll, many people camp, fish, and hike. The  Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regularly stocks the lake with rainbow trout. There are campgrounds at three separate sites around the lake and there is also a lodge on the northeastern end. The relatively flat elevation makes this a great hike for all ages and features a very pretty mountain views.

Suttle Lake Trail Map

Directions – Where to park at Suttle Lake

You can park at all the campgrounds (we parked by the south shore) when it’s warm but they restrict access in the winter. So, if you are going November-February I’d recommend going to the lodge to park. There are bathrooms all around the lake including the Lodge and the boat launch directly across the lake as well as at each campground.

Neat things about the Trail

The ecology and wildlife at the lake was very beautiful. We saw waterfowl like swans, ducks, and some hawks. The view of Black Butte was also stunning. Black Butte is an extinct stratovolcano and is also part of Deschutes National Forest. Black Butte forms a portion of the Cascade volcanic arc. I also love the comfy wooded benches and quirky items that have been left around the trail. For example, we found an old structure with a piano inside that had been decorated with sticks and wood.