Free hike-in camping at Tumble Lake sits within Willamette National Forest outside Detroit, Oregon, with no reservation required and no fee. The access trail is short but the return climb is steep, so campers should plan accordingly. Sites are spread around the lake with enough spacing between them to keep noise from neighboring camps low. Bugs near the water can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. Campfires are permitted and pets are welcome. Campers wanting developed facilities or drive-in access can look at Detroit Lake State Park Campground as a nearby alternative.
Description
This quiet and remote lake hidden in a high valley above Detroit Lake is a perfect family day hike or overnight getaway.
From the trailhead, the first few steps of the hike start steeply, up a short embankment, but once you clear the ridgeline, it will be a gently rolling easterly walk past an interesting rock pinnacle and a nice viewpoint down to the lake. After about a half mile, you will reach the Tumble Ridge-Tumble Lake Trail Junction. Turn right to head south down into the Tumble Lake basin (going straight leads to Dome Rock). The first downhill portion consists of forested switchbacks, and then a short section of the trail requires some scrambling within a rugged rocky stream bed. You will then traverse cross two steep open meadows which will be in bloom late June through August. As you flatten out into the basin, you will begin seeing the shaggy forest of Alaska Cedars, dripping with moss. Prolific huckleberry bushes fill the understory. Several shaded campsites are available at the lake edge.
Once you arrive at the lake, continue on a faint user trail south and follow the lake outlet stream to some mossy rock ledges that give the viewpoint of Detroit Lake seen in the photo above. Here you will see the water disappearing over the cliff edge to form Tumble Falls.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTumble Lake is located in Oregon near Detroit
Coordinates
44.746639 N
122.225481 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Tumble Lake needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Salem, OR
- 1 hr 26 min from Albany, OR
- 1 hr 43 min from Corvallis, OR
- 1 hr 56 min from Portland, OR
