Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
3,270.00 ft (996.70 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
10.60 mi (17.06 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

There are several hiking and camping opportunities on the trails to Dome Rock and Tumble Lake. Two trails lead to Dome Rock, the bald, rocky peak that once housed a fire lookout. The longer and harder way begins from Detroit Lake, while the easier jaunt begins from a trailhead off a rough Forest Service road. From this same trailhead, swimmers and campers can head to the cold and quiet Tumble Lake. This lake, nestled in the forest beneath Elephant and Tumble Rock, teems with wriggly newts in the summer. There are a couple of nice backcountry campsites on the lake's shore for overnight visits. In August, huckleberries ripen, making the scramble down to the lake more enjoyable. 

You'll spend most of your time deep in the forest along these trails, but keep an eye open for the occasional rocky outcrop. During summer, sedum and other hardy flowering plants bloom in a rainbow of colors. At the top of Dome Rock, catch your breath and take in the panoramic views of the central Cascades, including snowy Mount Jefferson.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Solitude. Year-round trailhead access. Panoramic views.

Cons

Steep from lower trailhead. Brushy trail to the lake.

Trailhead Elevation

1,600.00 ft (487.68 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

07/07/2017
Just made the trip to tumble lake from the upper trailhead. The road to the trailhead was mostly fine besides having to dodge some of the logging operations along the way. Despite going on a Friday night the lake offered complete solitude for camping. The primitive sites were very accommodating. The lake temperature was perfect! The trail down to the lake was definitely steeper than I had anticipated. Hiking out I took the detour to summit Dome Rock and the views were incredible. Wildflowers were in bloom and all the Central Oregon Cascades were out in full force. This a great spot to really bask in what makes Oregon special without having to step over a billion people in the process.
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