Bend, OR: Diamond Peak via Trapper Creek

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. 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 right, following the same route back to the trailhead.
-Mapped by Trung Q. Le

Trail Facts

• Distance: 21.3

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. Bear right, and follow the same route back to the trailhead.

Trapper Creek

Location: 43.5753517, -122.05056

© Trung Q. Le

Diamond Peak

Location: 43.5185051, -122.0973969

© Trung Q. Le

Open Meadows

Location: 43.5173073, -122.0996628

© Trung Q. Le

Marie Lake

Location: 43.4940033, -122.1515274

© Trung Q. Le

View of Summit Lake

Location: 43.5003586, -122.1346283

© Trung Q. Le

Mount Thielsen and Summit Lake

Location: 43.5046272, -122.1422348

© Trung Q. Le