The creek crossing along the hike leading to Little Three Creek Lake. There is no bridge, so hikers must ford the creek or carefully walk over a few logs placed over a narrower channel here.

I can feel my sense of gatekeeping creeping in as I type this.

“Maybe I shouldn’t tell the world about this little hike in the mountains,” the voice in my head keeps telling me. As Gandalf the Grey would say, “Keep it secret, keep it safe.”

And then the alternate voice pops in reminding me it’s not exactly a secret. So maybe old Greyhame wouldn’t mind this little divulgence letting you, gentle reader, know about Little Three Creeks Lake and the short 1.4-mile trail that leads to it.

It’s a hike full of surprises, not least of which is how peaceful it is thanks to its proximity to more popular trails. Which is why hiking it might lead you, too, toward wanting to keep this information to yourself.

Trail less traveled

As the name suggests, Little Three Creek Lake is the smaller, spring-fed neighbor to the larger Three Creek Lake, both nestled snugly in the glacial cirque below Tam McArthur Rim.

What sets this little gem of a jaunt apart from its sibling trails is, first, that it is far less busy, especially compared to the rim trail. On my recent hike out, I crossed paths with just two families on the entire 3-mile out-and-back trek — and this was on a weekend.

Apart from those two encounters, I had the trail to myself. The tranquility of it blanketing me on that cool September morning where all I had were the natural beauty surrounding me, my thoughts and the Jim Croce song playing on an internal loop keeping me company.

The trail starts at the intersection of Forest Service Road 16 and the turn-off for Driftwood Campground. Parking is limited at the trailhead which probably sees overflow from the nearby Tam McArthur trailhead. Be aware that while this trail doesn’t require a permit for day hiking the trailhead is near areas where restrictions and permits apply (Tam Rim and Three Creek Meadow trails require permits).

The trail travels very gradually uphill over the 1.4 miles to the lake with only a few noticeable inclines through rocky sections but nothing too strenuous or steep or that would require hiking poles even for those with creaky knees and bad ankles (a group of whom I am a part).

Apart from these and the odd rock or root sticking out of the trail, it is mostly smooth, single-track dirt leading through the trees, both evergreen and those part of a burn scar.

The cool morning and the colors of a few of the ground plants trading their green hues for rust and gold remind you of the changing seasons. But the farther up you go towards the lake, you may still find the last, lingering aster and lupine blooms that have managed to stave off the cold.

Just before the mile mark, there is a creek crossing with no bridge. It’s shallow and cold if you want to ford, or there are a few logs that have been placed over the narrower channel. They are not perfectly sturdy, so take care if you use them.

It’s here that I ran into the first surprise of my hike: the amphibious kind.

Hopping good views

Hundreds, maybe even thousands of tiny western toads hopped along the banks of the creek, trying to get out of my way as quickly as their little legs could manage.

No larger than a nickel, these brownish-green friends joined me for the better part of the remaining mile-and-a-half as the trail from here largely follows the creek and the toads’ lush riparian birthplace. Be mindful as you walk.

Shortly after the creek crossing, you come around a stand of trees and see the second surprise: a large meadow with a perfect view of Tam McArthur Rim looming over it.

I literally gasped when I set eyes on it.

This late in the season, the grasses have browned, but it is easy to imagine the verdant views that could be seen earlier in the year. Regardless, it’s breathtaking and one of those moments that remind you how lucky we are to live in this area.

The trail continues along the creek, for the most part, bordering the burn scar on one side and the dense forest on the other, until suddenly you arrive at the lake.

The tree-lined shores of Little Creek Lake sit in the shadow of the high ruddy-hued rock walls of the Tam McArthur Rim that reflect in the crystal azure waters.

The creek flows out of the south end of the lake, flowing into small falls creating an idyllic setting in both sight and sound.

There is a trail that circumnavigates the lake, but it’s rockier than the trail up to it and requires another stream crossing.

Sweet views a treat at southern Steens Mountain, Riddle Ranch

Spoiled Central Oregonians

Little Three Creek Lake Trail is one of those low-effort, high-reward hikes that while it may not have the jaw-dropping views of the Cascades that Tam McArthur Rim lends, it is a great quick and easy hike for all ages willing to cross a stream or two for a beautiful lakeside vista.

Even the drive up to the trail made me think about how spoiled we all are to have these kinds of places within an hour’s drive or less from our front doors.

It’s understandable why hikes such as Tam Rim are as popular as they are, but even the shorter, quieter hikes to a small lake can yield breathtaking and surprising moments that will make you giddy, and will simultaneously make you want to tell everyone you know but also keep it to yourself.

Getting there: From Sisters, take South Elm Street about a mile and then continue for 14 miles on Three Creek Road/Forest Service Road 16. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 900 and the trailhead is directly on your right.