View of Swampy Lakes.

Swampy Lakes, Porcupine Snowshoe Loop

Central Oregon, Oregon

Tyson Gillard

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Plan In onX Backcountry

Elevation Gain

300.00 ft (91.44 m)

Trail type

Loop

Distance

4.10 mi (6.60 km)

Warming hut

Yes

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Primarily and historically known for its cross-country trails, the Porcupine Loop is a new and exclusive path for snowshoers who want to enjoy the calm charm of Swampy Lakes and the sno-park's popular wood-fired warming shelters. This roughly 4-mile, relatively level loop meanders through a thin forest of lodgepole pine, white fir, mountain hemlock and Engelmann spruce. Once you leave the forest, vistas open up as the trail skirts around Swampy Lakes and climbs 200 feet over Telemark Butte.

Note: Dogs are not allowed on any of the trails within the Swampy Lakes Sno-Park, and overnight camping is not allowed in any of the warming shelters.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Sno-Park Parking Permit (required in OR + WA 11.01 thru 04.30)

Pros

Easily accessible. Kid-friendly.

Cons

Limited vistas. Heavily used.

Trailhead Elevation

5,800.00 ft (1,767.84 m)

Features

Warming hut

Typically multi-day

No

Groomed trail

No

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Three Creek Lake Campground

Deschutes National Forest

Three Creek Lake, Driftwood Campground

Central Oregon, Oregon

Soda Creek Campground

Sparks Lake

Comments

01/27/2018

not a ton of snow but enough to enjoy the trails. had a great time!

11/27/2015

Not a lot of snow, but enough to get out there and enjoy the sunny weather!

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