Three Fingered Jack and Upper Canyon Creek Meadow (Engin T)

A waterfall along the trail (Greg Lief)

The glacial lake and viewpoint (Engin T)

• Start point: Jack Lake Trailhead
• Ending Point: Upper Canyon Creek Meadow
• Trail Log: Trail Log
• Distance: 6.5 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 900 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Seasons: July - September
• Family Friendly: Yes
• Backpackable: Yes
• Crowded: Yes, on weekends

Hike Description

The Canyon Creek Meadow Hike is a favorite to several hikers, for a good reason. The trailhead is just 45 minutes out of Bend, and the views from the destination and along the way. It features several meadows, waterfalls, creeks, and best of all, front seat views of Three Fingered Jack. Upper Canyon Creek Meadow is a large flat area directly under the 7841' summit pillars of Three fingered Jack. In August, several wildflowers are generally blooming along the trail and in the meadow.

From the Jack Lake Trailhead, follow the trail around the east side of the lake, and take a left at the junction. You have the option to return on the other trail on your return, if you wish. The trail begins climbing, alternating between stands of burnt forest and firs/hemlocks. 2 miles from the junction you will be at Lower Canyon Creek Meadow. The views are good, but they get better if you continue on. The other trail connects here, and this is another way back to the trailhead.

Continue straight , heading directly towards Three Fingered Jack. You will climb some more, and pass several meadows some great creek scenes. A mile past the junction, you will end up at your destination, the Upper Meadow. Explore around, take pictures, or set up camp, and enjoy the amazing view.

If you still have energy, the trail continues for another half mile up to an overlook above a glacial lake, and then up to a saddle on the shoulder of Three Fingered Jack. It is a worthy side trip, but it is steep, exposed, and crumbly at times. This side trip is not recommended for younger children. The add on will give you another mile and 500 ft elevation gain, making a 7.5 mile, 1400 elevation gain hike.

There are two ways to get back. Return back to the lower meadow and go either left or right. Right is the one you came in on, and left will take you along a different route, passing waterfalls, then a junction to Wasco Lake and the Eight Lakes Basin. If you take this way home, you will be walking half mile further. Go one mile to the junction, and go right to get back to the car.

Maps

• Maps: Hike Finder

Fees, Regulations, etc.

• Northwest Forest Pass required at the trailhead
• Free, self issued Wilderness Permits are required (one per group)
• No camping within 100 feet of water or trails. Please respect the environment, and other hikers

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Canyon Creek Meadow

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Canyon Creek Meadow

Guidebooks that cover this hike

More Links

Contributors

• Jamey Pyles (creator)