Chasing Autumn: Chapter 3-Duffy Lake to Blue Lake Hike

Fall colors are abound. Let's get one more fall colors hike in before the rain and snow hit hard. For this next chapter, we will be doing Duffy Lake to Blue Lake in the Eight Lakes Basin.

We will be in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, starting at the Duffy Lake Trail, 3427, with a goal of hiking to Blue Lake, via the Blue Lake Trail, 3422, then circling back with a little loop to the Dixie Lake Trail, 3494, and heading back again on the Duffy Lake Trail.

We will also tag Red Butte on the way to Blue Lake. There is a user trail to the top. Bring your curiosity and flexibility with you and do not sign up if you must be back at a specific time. We may stop for food on the way home since this is a little longer drive and if people are agreeable.

Here is a sample of the hike below: (we will aim for a bit further, Blue Lake)
Duffy Lake Trail to Jorn Lake and Dixie Lakes Loop, Oregon - 51 Reviews, Map | All on Trails

Weather:
7-Day Forecast 44.29N 121.55W

Duffy Lake Trail, OR Weather & Records | Low 42° Tonight, 65° Tomorrow

Distance: Roughly 15 miles
Elevation Gain: Roughly 2600 feet
Permit: NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful, no day permit required since it will be after Oct 15th
Meeting Location: Behind the Starbucks in the parking lot at Mcloughlin Blvd and I 205 S
Driving Distance: 244 miles RT

We ask that you help pay your driver for gas, at 10 cents per mile. No one is turned away for their inability to pay. Veno or exact cash work best.

Bring layers as it will be cooler in the mountains, along with the 10 Essentials.

Ten Essentials:
Ten Essentials (U.S. National Park Service)

My hiking Style: My pace is 2-3 mph depending on the trail. Please know your limits and pace. My goal is to get everyone through the hike, with safety as a priority, but with some fun along the way. We will stop for breaks as needed and there will be photo opportunities. I normally stop for a snack break at a peak or lake along the way.