Marion Lake and Marion Falls Hike In Oregon

Marion Lake trailhead in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness is home to many epic hikes in the area. During Oregon summertime once the snow melts out, this is a popular area for hiking and backpacking.

Additionally, Marion and Gatch Falls are a great spot to visit while in the area- truly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon. Trust me, I have been to most of them!

I’ve visited the area twice over the years and have learned quite a few things when it comes to planning. Permits, mosquitoes, and route finding will help you make the best of your time! But don’t worry, I will cover all of that on this blog post so that you can properly plan your trip to enjoy this stunning area.

Before we dive into the details of visiting this stunning area, lets talk about Leave No Trace Principles.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: make sure you have permits, enough water, are aware of closures and weather.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: stay on trail, camp on established campsites, camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: don’t litter out on the trail and if you see trash and feel safe picking it up, pack it out with you.
4. Leave What You Find: don’t take nature home with you. I.e. rocks you found at the lake.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: use established rings, or mounds where fires are permitted.
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of others: this is a popular area, and some of the campsites are close to one another. Be courteous and know that people come outside for the peace and quiet.

Located in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness up the Marion Lake Road, you will find the small parking area for 12 cars. I suggest planning your trip during the week if possible! Luckily, permitting in the summertime has helped alleviate congestion on this popular trail system.

Northwest Forest Parking pass is required here or pay $5 a day with the mobile Recreation.gov site where you can pay from the trailhead. Moreover, the road to the trailhead does have potholes but most cars should be able to access the trailhead.

From Portland: 3 hours

From Eugene: 2 hours

From Bend: 1.5 hours

Central Cascades Wilderness Permits are required here from June 15 to October 15. This includes day hiking and backpacking. If you plan to hike on a weekend, this is going to take some additional trip planning. Backpacking permits for the area are likely to sell out quickly too.

Day hiking permits are $1.00 per ticket and you can visit the website to find a day to reserve your day hiking permit depending on availability. Keep in mind people do cancel too!

The first batch of overnight permits are released the first Tuesday in April for 40% of the permits. Additional backpacking permits become available seven days before your trip at 7am for the Central Cascades. Set your alarm and be ready with your Recreation.gov log in information for your best luck at scoring a permit.

Since this trail is only accessible in the summertime, it is good that most of it is shaded! The Mount Jefferson Wilderness from mid-June- September can be quite hot with temperatures during the day averaging 70-80 degrees.

The trail starts out with mild elevation through a beautiful forest, slowing gaining incline. This is a great trail for beginner backpackers wanting to try backpacking for the first time, or for young kids. Keep in mind there are some rock slide areas to walk about so sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles are great!

After hiking through a forest you will pass Lake Ann, a beautiful vista point to note that your 1.6 miles into the hike! Continue on the trail and head to Marion Lake. From there, the trail meanders around to the left and right side of the lake. Most camping is to the left once you get to the lake.

Elevation Gain: 935 feet

Mileage: 5.1 Miles round trip (to Lake)

Dogs: Allowed on leash

Mosquitos around the lake starting mid-June to beginning of August are HORRENDOUS! You will want to protect your gear from them, and bring bug spray. Even on a day hike we stopped at the lake for lunch and got eaten alive mid- June. While the view at the lake is beautiful, to avoid mosquitos find the Marion Creek on the way to Marion Falls.

Pro tip: My favorite product to spray on gear for this season is Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray. Spray clothing, tents, and backpacks you will use for the season and avoid washing if possible until the end of season.

If you are in the area and are a more experienced hiker with way-finding capabilities, I would suggest going here! Reason being, the trail has many blown down trees, and isn’t well marked.

So, how do you get here? Follow from the Marion Lake Trailhead until you reach the junction for trail 3436, Marion Outlet Trail. From there, your going to have to pay close attention for the side trail that gets you to the falls as it is not marked. It will be on your right hand side, and it looks like the image below.

The only way we found it was by having our offline map downloaded from All Trails. Use my code “loganmarie” to try for free for 30 days! We walked right by the cut off and may have missed it without our offline map.

Another route is to follow the Marion Lake trail to the lake, and follow the lakeside trail to the Marion Outlet Trail, where you will see this sign-continue on and the side trail to Marion Falls will be on your left. We did this as we wanted to stop for lunch on the trail.

Elevation: 849 Feet

Milage: 4.1 round trip

I’m pointing out that this hike is to be meant for the experienced because of the steepness to get to the waterfall. It does require hiking downhill on steep, wet, slippery rocks. I would advise that you take this portion at your own risk. Especially to see Gatch Falls as that is the lower falls in it’s entirety it is steep! If you do make it, it is spectacular!

All in all, this area is extremely beautiful to enjoy in the Oregon summertime. Please abide by permitting, Leave No Trace, and leave nature as you found it for all to enjoy for many years to come.