Recreation Region: Deschutes NF - Sisters-Metolius Area
Hortense Lake Access Point
This site provides access to the Mt. Washington Wilderness. Wilderness Permits are required. See "Permit Info" below for more details.
Current Conditions
The East side of the Mt. Washington Wilderness provides a true Wilderness experience as there are no longer any maintained trails on that side of the crest. The Shadow Lake Fire of 2011 damaged the Dry Creek trail beyond repair. The trail is impossible to find in most places and filled with heavy blowdown. Hortense Lake Access Point provides access to the Mt. Washington Wilderness, but map and compass skills are required.
General Information
June
For more information on the two different types of wilderness permits, please click here.
No recreation pass required.
- Overnight Use
- Central Cascades Wilderness Permit between the Friday before Memorial Day and the last Friday in September.
- Free, self-issue Wilderness Permit required between the last Friday in September and October 31 (available at trailhead).
- Day Use
- Free, self-issue Wilderness Permit (available at the trailhead) between the Friday before Memorial Day and October 31.
No recreation pass required.
Wilderness restrictions apply in the Mt. Washington Wilderness.
- Campfires are prohibited above 5700 feet and within these lake basins:
- Benson Lake
- Tenas Lake
- Motorized and mechanical equipment (including bicycles and drones) are prohibited in the Wilderness
- Groups must be under 12 people and 12 head of stock
- Build campfires at least 100 feet away from water
- Pack in / Pack out!
- “Take only pictures, leave only footprints” — please refrain from cutting, damaging, or gathering vegetation or other forest items (e.g. rocks, artifacts, etc.)
- Please bury human waste 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from water
- Weed-Free Feed requirements
Getting There
Elevation
4800
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
