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Here is another wonderful hike located within the south Olallie Lake Basin. I began the hike at the PCT Trail head located near the Breitenbush Trailhead parking lot.

I choose to present this second approach to Ruddy Hill because of the incredible vistas you get to experience along this portion of the Pacific Crest Trai. You begin this hike on the PCT where it crosses FR 4220, and head north in a gentle climb. Unfortunately, there was a forest fire here a couple of hears ago, so for the first half mile, you will walk through a burnt forest

On the bright side, with the trees all burned up, you get excellent views of Mt. Jefferson rising higher and higer in view as you gain elevation on this portion of the trail.

After about a half mile you will come to a beautiful little lake nestled just off the west side of the PCT. Walk over to the edge of this lovely lake and enjoy the view of Mt. Jefferson looming to the south.

After leaving this lake you will soon come to another pond just a short distance away. This is a beautiful little lake and offers fine views of the ridges to the north.

After continuing on your way north on the PCT you will soon catch a glimpse of your destination; Ruddy Hill. You cannot mistake it, as it is the only red mountain in sight. At this point the PCT continues to climb as it makes its way along a steep treeless slope which offers you extraordinary views of Mt. Jefferson to the south.

Soon the trail enters a forest, which very quickly turns into another burnt forest before it turns back into a beautiful lust green forest. The trail begins a steep desent into a saddle where you will come to the trail to Gibson Lake on your right.

The trail to Gibson Lake was built some time between 1907 and 1920 by the forest service as part of the original Skyline Trail, which has been replaced by the Pacific Crest Trai. Just to hike this old historic trail is fun, and the rewards are really great. However, this trail taking you to Gibson Lake takes you into the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

This means that if you go there, you are under the Warm Springs Indian Reservation rules and regulations. As a curteousy and in greatfulness for being allowed to hike into this beautiful lake, show respect to the environment and for the Warm Springs Reservation.

After leaving the PCT and heading east on the trail to Gibson Lake, this old trail begins a moderate climb through a forested area, that soon offers outstanding vistas to the north. On a clear day you can see Mt. Hood and Olallie Butte and Olallie Lake and Mono Lake, but you can't see Horseshoe Lake even though you are directly above it, because the forested hill below you blocks your view.

This trail continues to climb gently over the should of a ridge on your right, then begins a gentle descent to Gibson Lake. There is a user trail that goes completely around the lake and it is extremely rewarding. After enjoying the lake and its surroundings, continue on Trail 708 until you reach the road that you will follow back to the Breitenbush Trailhead.

Gibson Lake in the Warm Springs Reservation