Map showing campground location near Idanha, Oregon

Camper submitted image from Pamelia Lake

Pamelia Lake

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Hiking to Grizzly Peak for open sightlines toward Mount Jefferson is one of the main draws at Pamelia Lake, a hike-in campground within Willamette National Forest. The trailhead is roughly 2.4 miles from the parking lot along a gentle grade, making the approach manageable even for newer backpackers. Fishing the lake is another reason campers return. Established sites ring the lake and come with fire pits, and at least one site is spacious enough to accommodate a large group.

Water access requires planning. Reviewers note that drawing directly from the lake or the river along the trail-in is not recommended due to algae blooms, and the most reliable water source sits about 0.4 miles from camp where a stream feeds into the lake. Bring a filter. Mosquitoes are reportedly heavy from June through July, so timing matters for those sensitive to insects.

Permits are required and awarded by lottery, not by showing up early. Campers have been asked to show proof of permit multiple times during a single stay, so having documentation accessible is worth the preparation. As Mandy E. puts it, "No amenities, bring or filter your own water and pack out all your trash." There are no facilities on-site. Pamelia Lake makes the most sense for self-sufficient backpackers who want a base for multi-day exploring, with day hike options of varying difficulty radiating out from the lake basin.

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Map & DirectionsPamelia Lake is located in Oregon near Idanha

Public Campground

Coordinates

44.6517596983073 N
121.84811838692008 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Reservable
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Reservations

+15038543366

Drive Time

2 hrs 24 min from Bend, OR
2 hrs 48 min from Salem, OR
2 hrs 56 min from Albany, OR
3 hrs 2 min from Corvallis, OR

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Pamelia Lake

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4 Reviews

Visitors frequently highlighted spacious lakeside sites with fire pits offering beautiful mountain views via a manageable 2.4-3 mile hike. This wilderness camping requires permits, water filtration, and packing out trash.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Mason

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2022

First Solo

I lived in Oregon for a couple years as a kid and my family got big into backpacking. One of our family favorites was Pamelia Lake. The trail is gentle and the basin the lake is in has great mountain ranges surrounding. As an adult it was only right that this was my first place to solo. I spent a little over 3 days hiking around the area. This is a great place that has many trails of varying difficulties nearby.

Month of VisitMay

Audrey M.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2021

Beautiful Labor Day weekend backpacking trip!

We decided to hike to Pamelia lake as a labor day backpacking trip, and this trip did not disappoint! One of our friends was a beginner, so we decided to tailor the trip to his experience. This hike-in dispersed campsite was easy to get to, about 2.4 miles one-way from the parking lot. We setup our basecamp right by Pamelia lake and was able to do day hikes from there. We summited Grizzly Peak and saw beautiful views of Mount Jefferson.

Sites were very spacious, we could have easily fit 8 people at our site. Since the hike in was relatively easy, we felt comfortable bringing some camping luxuries like a backpacking chair and hammocks. Be sure to bring your own water filter! The best place to access water was about 0.4 miles away from our site; there is a main stream that feeds into Pamelia Lake. The ranger we spoke to advised us against getting water from the lake or the river we passed on the hike-in due to the algae bloom. We were easily able to access water the entire time we were there.

One big thing to note about this campsite is that permits are awarded via lottery. We were lucky enough to snag a permit the week before and we were very glad we did since we were asked to show proof of our permit twice during the 4 days we were staying there.

(6) View All

Evan M.

Guide

Reviewed May. 9, 2019

Hiked

Hiked here and around and up Grizzly Mountain but looking forward to staying here this summer.

Mandy E.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Beautiful spot for a quick weekend getaway or overnighter

This is a hike in only spot (3miles) and special permits are required but it is a beautiful lake with great fishing. Sites are first come first served but there are several established campsites around the lake complete with fire pits and lake views. Summit Grizzly peak for an epic view of the lake and mount Jefferson. Mosquitos are abundant June-July. No amenities, bring or filter your own water and pack out all your trash.

Site#3

Month of VisitJune

(12) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pamelia Lake good for backpacking?

Pamelia Lake is excellent for backpacking, especially for beginners and families. The trail is gentle with a moderate 2.4-mile hike from the parking area to the lake, making it accessible for various skill levels. Multiple established campsites surround the lake, each featuring fire pits and beautiful lake views. For more adventurous backpackers, you can use Pamelia Lake as a base camp and summit Grizzly Peak for spectacular mountain views. The stunning setting with mountain ranges surrounding the basin makes this a memorable backpacking destination.

Where is the Pamelia Lake trailhead located?

The Pamelia Lake trailhead is located in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness area of the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. To reach it, you'll need to access Forest Service roads in the Santiam Pass area. The trailhead has a designated parking lot where hikers leave their vehicles before embarking on the 2.4-mile trail to the lake. For specific driving directions, check with the Detroit Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest or visit their official website.

Do I need permits to camp at Pamelia Lake?

Yes, special permits are required to camp at Pamelia Lake. This is a limited-entry area to help preserve its natural beauty and minimize environmental impact. Permits must be obtained in advance before your trip. Campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis once you arrive, but you cannot stay without the required permit. Contact the Willamette National Forest or recreation.gov for current permit information, application processes, and availability.

How is the fishing at Pamelia Lake?

Fishing at Pamelia Lake is excellent. The clear mountain lake supports a healthy fish population, making it a worthwhile destination for anglers. After setting up camp, you can easily access the shoreline for fishing opportunities. The peaceful setting enhances the fishing experience, with beautiful views of surrounding mountains. Remember that fishing regulations apply, so be sure to have appropriate Oregon fishing licenses and check current regulations before your trip.

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