Bend, OR: Diamond Peak Loop
Save a weekend for this 27.4-mile loop in the Cascades that climbs an extinct shield volcano and tours lake-dotted landscapes in the Diamond Peak Wilderness.
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Start at the Trapper Creek Trailhead, and follow the trail 0.2 mile to the first junction. Keep left at the fork for a gradual ascent through open forest, paralleling Trapper Creek, which cascades over rocks and down trees, creating mini waterfalls along the way. After 4.8 miles, skirt the edge of Diamond View Lake, and continue south. One mile later, turn right, heading west toward Diamond Peak and the Pacific Crest Trail—keep your camera ready for picturesque views of Diamond Peak that appear through openings in the trees. At mile 11, the route briefly follows the PCT before joining a climber’s trail for the 1.3-mile stretch to the top of Diamond Peak, an extinct shield volcano. Look out onto lake-speckled landscapes from this Cascade summit, then descend back to Waypoint 10 and turn left.
The return route follows the PCT along the foot of Diamond Peak, passing campsites, lakes, and views of open meadows (where you may spot roaming black bears). Leave the PCT at mile 26 and follow a gravel road and the eastbound Whitefish Trail back to Waypoint 2 and the Trapper Creek Trail.
-Mapped by Trung Q. Le














Trail Facts
- Distance: 44.1
Waypoints
DPL001
Location: 43.5796089, -122.0425034
From the Trapper Creek Trailhead, cross a wide railroad track and pick up the Trapper Creek Trail on the other side (marked with a trail sign).
DPL002
Location: 43.5780106, -122.0455017
Keep left @ Y-intersection on Whitefish Trail. The trail on the right leads to the Mount Yoran Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Ahead, the path parallels Trapper Creek, gradually ascending through open forest. (Trapper Creek can be accessed via an occasional scramble trail.) The creek cascades over rocks and down trees, creating mini waterfalls along the trail.
DPL003
Location: 43.5297394, -122.0725021
Diamond View Lake: There are established campsites along the shoreline (some sites have rock fire rings). This aptly-named lake offers views of Diamond Peak to the west.
DPL004
Location: 43.5245285, -122.0691986
Cross a footbridge next to a small pond. A few primitive campsites are found along the perimeter of the pond.
DPL005
Location: 43.519001, -122.0673981
Turn right @ 4-way intersection, heading west toward the Pacific Crest Trail. Whitefish Creek Trail continues straight to Crescent Lake. The trail on the left leads to Fawn Lake. Next, the trail continues a gradual ascent through open forest.
DPL006
Location: 43.5182495, -122.0982971
Photo op: Picturesque views of Diamond Peak appear through openings in the trees. Travel past several small ponds.
DPL007
Location: 43.5169792, -122.0999985
Continue straight @ 3-way intersection. The Snell Lake Trail enters on the left. Ahead, trail gradually descends toward the PCT.
DPL008
Location: 43.5099411, -122.1177979
Cross a small creek, a rare clean water source along this section of the trail. Head southwest through marshy terrain. In roughly 100 feet, pass a couple of primitive campsites.
DPL009
Location: 43.4933891, -122.1345978
Turn right @ 4-way intersection onto the PCT. Views of rocky outcroppings along Diamond Peak’s ridge appear to the west through the trees. Optional: Continue straight to reach Marie Lake (overnight campsites).
DPL010
Location: 43.5044289, -122.1425018
Bear left onto the climber’s trail that leads to Diamond Peak’s summit. Trees cover views to the east. To the south, Mount Thielsen can be seen behind Summit Lake.
DPL011
Location: 43.5206718, -122.1495972
Diamond Peak (8,744 ft.): Look out onto lake-speckled landscapes from this Cascade peak. Next, begin the descent back to Waypoint 10. Turn left onto the PCT, and hike north along the foot of Diamond Peak. The dirt and pinecone-covered path transitions to a sandy trail.
DPL012
Location: 43.5201111, -122.1334
Cross Mountain Creek, a rare water source on this section of the PCT and the Diamond Peak Loop. This is a good spot to filter water while taking in views of the entire Diamond Peak ridgeline. Although this area is slightly marshy, there are a few flat and sandy areas 200 yards down the creek that could be used as campsites.
DPL013
Location: 43.5420914, -122.1339035
Stop and look behind you to the south for views of Mount Thielsen, Summit Lake and Crescent Lake. Scan the open meadows below and to the east (black bears have been seen roaming this area). Diamond Peak continues to dominate the scenery to the west. Pass a series of small ponds ahead.
DPL014
Location: 43.5532188, -122.1317978
Continue straight on the PCT @ 3-way intersection. The Mount Yoran Trail forks to the left. Next, the trail continues its gradual descent through thick forest. Pine needles cover the trail.
DPL015
Location: 43.5585899, -122.120697
Stay left on the PCT @ 3-way intersection. To the right is a small scramble trail leading to a viewpoint of Diamond Peak.
DPL016
Location: 43.5627594, -122.1091003
Keep straight @ 3-way intersection. A small path on the right leads to Lils Lake. Continue gradual descent past numerous lakes (all offer good campsites).
DPL017
Location: 43.5674095, -122.1023026
Keep straight @ 3-way intersection. The small path to Hidden Lake enters on the right. Continue beneath dense tree canopy that reveals few views. Although Hidden Lake can be seen through gaps in the trees, take the side trail down to the lake for up-close views.
DPL018
Location: 43.5706902, -122.0970993
Stay right @ Y-intersection to continue on the PCT. Deer Creak Trail #3692 enters on the left.
DPL019
Location: 43.5841408, -122.0748978
Continue straight on the PCT @ 3-way intersection. To the southwest, Diamond Peak rises above treeline. Campsites: Turn right @ 3-way onto the small trail to reach Midnight Lake. You’ll find several established campsites with fire rings. (You may also see anglers fishing the lake on rafts.)
DPL020
Location: 43.5862694, -122.0731964
Continue straight @ 3-way intersection on the PCT. The trail on the left leads to Bechtel Shelter, a functioning shelter that’s used mainly in winter by Nordic skiers.
DPL021
Location: 43.5910988, -122.0577011
Turn right @ Y-intersection onto a gravel road. The PCT veers to the left toward Willamette Pass. Note: This is the trailhead for Bechtel Shelter and the numerous lake hikes located along this section of the PCT. In 50 feet, bear left to continue on the road (the trail on the right leads to the trailhead parking area). Hike past the westbound Whitefish Trail on the right.
DPL022
Location: 43.5878105, -122.0531998
Turn right @ Y-intersection on the eastbound Whitefish Trail. The road continues to the left and ends in a few hundred yards. Begin a gradual climb under the thick covering the trees.
DPL023
Location: 43.5822296, -122.0534973
Cross a creek on a footbridge.
DPL024
Location: 43.5814514, -122.0522003
Cross the footbridge over West Bay Creek.
DPL025
Location: 43.5810509, -122.0512009
Keep straight on the Whitefish Trail @ the junction with Yoran Lake Trail.
DPL026
Location: 43.5778084, -122.046402
Cross a footbridge over Trapper Creek. Roughly 50 feet upstream is a structure that looks like an old dam. Follow the trail to Waypoint 2, then turn left to return to the trailhead.
Trapper Creek
Location: 43.5753517, -122.0506897
© Trung Q. Le
Diamond Peak
Location: 43.5183691, -122.0980167
© Trung Q. Le
Open Meadows
Location: 43.5166397, -122.1006012
© Trung Q. Le
Marie Lake
Location: 43.4938413, -122.1451378
© Trung Q. Le
View of Summit Lake
Location: 43.5006256, -122.1348953
© Trung Q. Le
Mount Thielsen and Summit Lake
Location: 43.5044937, -122.1425018
© Trung Q. Le
Diamond Peak
Location: 43.5297165, -122.1215515
© Trung Q. Le
Diamond Peak Ridgeline
Location: 43.5367889, -122.1239548
© Trung Q. Le
Mount Thielsen and Summit Lake
Location: 43.5397224, -122.1307602
© Trung Q. Le
Crescent Lake
Location: 43.547596, -122.1335602
© Trung Q. Le
Mount Yoran
Location: 43.5538673, -122.1306229
© Trung Q. Le
Lils Lake
Location: 43.5629425, -122.1075363
© Trung Q. Le
Mossy Trees
Location: 43.5773544, -122.0821838
© Trung Q. Le
Footbridge
Location: 43.5804253, -122.0504227
© Trung Q. Le