13. Don Lake

Summary

Length                                 1 ½ miles one way

Difficulty                              Moderate

Season                                Summer to autumn

Elevation range                 3,350 feet – 3,640 feet

Human imprint                  Moderate (nearby older plantations)

Information                       Willamette National Forest, Sweet Home Ranger District

Primary old growth features

A secluded patch of late-stage old growth.

Description

Quiet Don Lake provides a peaceful destination for those interested in visiting a unique stand of late-stage old growth. Start off on the Riggs Lake Trail (#3388) heading north in an older plantation. Old forest begins about half way to Riggs Lake and continues all the way to Don Lake. Most visitors stop at Riggs Lake, and the path is infrequently maintained from there to Don Lake. Although the trail tread is distinct, hikers will encounter brush and logs across the trail until the trail is maintained again. Small trout and newts entertained us at the lake.

The forest is primarily composed of large Douglas-fir and western hemlock with scattered western redcedar noticeable by the lakes. A few mature noble fir and Pacific silver fir indicate the beginning of a transition to higher-elevation species as the trail gently climbs to Don Lake. There are many canopy gaps evident from the trail, indicated by numerous snags, down wood and regenerating hemlocks. Nearby older clearcuts on both sides of this narrow stand have likely contributed to increased blowdown. Fungal disease pockets and the natural aging of the stand are also likely factors in an ongoing process of canopy break-up.

25 Years of Change

Treefall and stem breakage has continued, creating gaps and further opening the upper forest canopy.

How to get there

Turn west onto the Parish Lake Road (FR 2266) off of Highway 22, approximately 7 and ½ miles north of Highway 20 (23 miles south of Detroit). The Parish Lake Road is paved for the first 3 miles. Trailhead parking is on the left 6 ¼ miles from Highway 22.