Blair Lake

The Blair Lake Trail leads visitors into the southern edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness . The trail runs through spruce forest and open meadows, and passes by several scenic mountain lakes. The northern end of the trail also provides majestic views of Crater Lake, Blair Mountain and the surrounding Wilderness area. This portion of the Forest is very remote and rugged, creating an outstanding opportunity for a peaceful and rewarding outdoor experience.

The Blair Lake Trail is 6.2 miles long. It can be accessed from the north via the Crater Trailhead (off Forest Road 647) and from the south via the Patterson Creek Trailhead (off Forest Road 601). Crater Lake is 1.4 miles from the Crater Trailhead, though reaching the lake requires an elevation loss of almost 1,000 feet. On the south end of the trail, Jet Lake is 2.2 miles from the Patterson Creek Trailhead, with minimal elevation change.

This trail is open to foot and horse travel.

The southern end of this trail is an active sheep grazing allotment during the summer. Please do not approach or harass the herd. If approached by a sheep guardian dog: remain calm and quiet, slowly leave the area, and firmly tell the dog “No” or “Go Back.”

Crater Trailhead serves as the northern access point for the Blair Lake Trail #2048 , which enters the Flat Tops Wilderness . Blair Lake Trail runs 6.2 miles south from the Crater Trailhead, passing several scenic lakes and ending at the Patterson Creek Trailhead . The northernmost lake (Crater Lake), is locating approximately 1.4 miles from the Crater Trailhead. The trail is open to hiking and horseback riding; motorized and mechanized uses are not allowed in Wilderness areas.

Patterson Creek Trailhead serves as the southern access point for the Blair Lake Trail #2048 . The trailhead is located off Forest Road 601 at the boundary of the Flat Tops Wilderness . Blair Lake Trail runs 6.2 miles north, passing several scenic lakes and ending at the Crater Trailhead. The trail is open to hiking and horseback riding.

Vehicles can be parked in the grass at the end of the road near the trailhead kiosk, so long as they are outside the Wilderness boundary. The trailhead is accessible from the east via Forest Road 640, from the south via Forest Road 601, and from the north via Blair Mountain Road (a continuation of Forest Road 601).

This area is an active sheep grazing allotment during the summer. Please do not approach or harass the herd. If approached by a sheep guardian dog: remain calm and quiet, slowly leave the area, and firmly tell the dog “No” or “Go Back.”