PCT provides a difficult route to hard-to-find Martin Lake

Martin Lake clearly appears on most wilderness maps, but you will not find any marked trails leading there. For a little off-trail adventure, however, Martin Lake provides a worthy destination; but it would not be wise to attempt it alone.

This hike involves a difficult and steep off-trail section in dense forest that should not be attempted unless the hikers are experienced and in excellent condition. Further, anyone considering this hike should possess and know how to use a GPS system or have well-honed orienteering skills. The circular route we chose also took us to Booth and Square Lakes.

Because of the terrain involved in the steep off-trail portion, the Martin Lake hike should be attempted in a clockwise, circular route. The hike begins at the Santiam Pass trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). From the parking lot, follow the PCT north for a total of about 3.7 miles. There are a variety of trail junctions, but the signage is good, so just stick to the PCT.

You will reach the Santiam Lake Trail junction about 1.4 miles into this hike. Continue on the PCT by ignoring this junction and staying right. Follow the PCT up the south shoulder of Three Fingered Jack for another 2.3 miles. Although this hike starts in the B&B burn, it enters unburned forest on the slopes of the mountain.

Atop the south ridge, many spectacular views open up - but be sure to watch your footing. While traversing a steep, rocky slope south of the summit, Martin Lake can be seen nestled in the trees far below on your right. Once the lake comes into view, it is up to you to choose your route of descent, because there is no trail.

Generally, it is best to head down from the lowest point of this trail along the ridge, where the lake is still in view. Take a compass bearing on the lake because it will not be visible again until you are almost upon it. Also take a bearing on Black Butte, since it will make a good reference point when no others are available.

Actually, it is not difficult to find the lake since the valley you are descending into tends to funnel everything toward the lake. The descent is difficult, and the footing is poor. The route is steep and obstructed by rocks, logs, trees, and limbs. Much of the descent must be accomplished by hand-over-hand gymnastics. Take it slow, so as not to suffer any injuries. It's less than a half-mile to the lake, but it seems farther.

The dense forest nuzzles right up to the edge of the lake, and the water may not be visible until you are almost there. This is a very beautiful and secluded small mountain lake. Since it is so difficult to reach, you are not likely to encounter many other hikers. In contrast to the west end of the lake, the eastern end is wide open because of the burn.

Some hiking literature says that an obvious trail leads east from the lake to join up with the Jack Lake to Square Lake Trail, but we didn't see it. Instead we took a bearing and headed due east. When we neared where we expected the trail to be, we spread out to improve our chances of spotting it. The cross trail from Jack Lake was well-worn and easy to find. We both simultaneously shouted, "Trail!"

When we hit the trail, we turned right (south) and arrived at Booth Lake in less than 15 minutes. Booth Lake can be easy to miss because the trail runs below a terminal moraine that hides the lake from view. It's easy to locate, however, if you watch for the moraine on your right as you pass through an open meadow.

Booth Lake was ground zero for one of the two fires that formed the B&B Complex Fire in 2003 and contributed one of the "Bs" to the name. The lake is deepest against the moraine and shallower along the west shore if you're looking for an easy entry for wading.

Square Lake is another 1.4 miles to the south on a trail that is sometimes messy from erosion and blowdown. Once atop the ridge, informal user trails can make following the main trail a challenge; but, generally, the contour of the valley leads down to Square Lake. There is a marshy area north of the lake, however, that is best avoided. The main trail runs along higher ground to the east of this soggy area.

Most of the older trees throughout this area were killed in the fire that burned over 90,000 acres, but the trail runs into an unburned grove of trees along the north edge of the lake. Square Lake is another good place to jump in for a cooling swim on a hot day.

The trail from Booth Lake joins up with a better trail that skirts the north side of Square Lake. Round Lake is 2.2 miles to the left (east) on this trail; but, instead, you will want to turn right. Follow that trail past the west shoreline of Square Lake for about the same distance, and you will return to the PCT Trailhead where this hike began. The total distance is about nine miles.

To reach this hike, simply head west from Sisters on Highway 20 for 20 miles. A sign marking the PCT trailhead is on the right. This is a fee-use area, so a forest pass or daily fee permit is required. A self-serve kiosk and pay station is located in the parking lot. Free wilderness permits are also required and may be obtained at the

trailhead.