South Matthieu Lake – Yapoah Crater loop from Lava Camp Lake

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Oregon

Deschutes County

South Matthieu Lake – Yapoah Crater loop from Lava Camp Lake

Hard

4.6

(7393)

12,419

hikers

South Matthieu Lake – Yapoah Crater loop from Lava Camp Lake

05:29

19.3km

420m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Three Sisters Wilderness

Deschutes National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

4.99 km

South Matthieu Lake

Highlight • Lake

South Matthieu Lake is the last reliable water source for at least 15 miles (if you hike northbound), if you plan to hike into Big Lake Youth Camp. If you …

Tip by

7.94 km

Yapoah Crater

Highlight • Volcano

The trail around the Yapoah Crater is steep and rocky, but the views will make up for your effort.

Tip by

12.3 km

North Matthieu Lake

Highlight • Lake

The small crystal clear lake is an excellent place to stop and take memorable photos. The lakeshore is heavily wooded, with rainbow trout regularly stocked by the State of Oregon, …

Tip by

17.1 km

Three Sisters Wilderness boundary

Highlight • Natural Monument

At this point, you enter the magical Three Sisters Wilderness with a vast lava landscape. To hike or camp in the wilderness, you need to obtain a Central Cascades Wilderness …

Tip by

19.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

19.3 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

18.5 km

796 m

< 100 m