Mt. Jefferson Wilderness
Backpacking Trip

sept 17-20 (Registration Opens June 15)

Some of our most profound experiences of peace, wonder, and connection with God happen in the grandeur of nature. However, opportunities to step into this kind of experience intentionally and in community are very rare.

This September, you’re invited to join Common Ground for a backpacking trip into the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, where we’ll journey together through incredible terrain while creating space to slow down, reflect, learn from one another, and practice attentiveness to God’s presence in the natural world. Check out the details below for a brief description of the terrain we’ll cover each day.

Our group size is limited to 12 people, so mark your calendars for June 15 to make sure you don’t miss your chance to join us on this unforgettable adventure!

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to send us a message.

Trip Itinerary

September 17: Whitewater Trailhead to Jefferson Park | Approximately 5 miles with 1,650 feet of gain.

We’ll leave from Bend first thing in the morning, driving over Santiam Pass to the Whitewater Trailhead, where we will shoulder our packs and begin hiking. The bulk of this first day’s hike will be spent ascending through the burn scar of the 2020 Lionshead Fire, which kept this trail closed until November 2024. As we approach Jefferson Park, with its six named lakes on the northern slope of Mt. Jefferson, we’ll emerge from the burn scar into a magical environment miraculously spared by the recent fire.

After lunch, we’ll make camp and spend time together — and individually — exploring the region, reflecting, and growing together.

September 18: Jefferson Park to Shale Lake | Approximately 10.25 miles with 1,600 feet of gain.

After waking up, enjoying breakfast, and breaking down camp, we’ll spend a good chunk of the day traversing counterclockwise from the north slope of Mt. Jefferson to its southern slope along the world-renowned Pacific Crest Trail. We’ll stop periodically along the way for snacks, moments of quiet, and “trail-talk” prompts before making camp near Shale Lake and its neighboring alpine lakes.

September 19: Shale Lake to Marion Lake | Approximately 12 miles with 750 feet of gain.

We’ll wake to the sun rising along the crest of the Cascade Mountains as we head south on the Pacific Crest Trail, looking down at pristine lakes below us and up at the cliffs of Cathedral Rocks and the volcanic remnants of North and South Cinder Peaks. After about seven miles, we’ll turn west onto the Swallow Lake Trail, descending over the next five miles to the shores of Marion Lake, where we’ll make camp for the night.

September 20: Marion Lake to Marion Lake Trailhead | Approximately 2.5 miles with 800 feet decent.

Waking up, we’ll look east across Marion Lake at the jagged peak of Three Fingered Jack as the sun rises behind it. Given the very short hike out to the trailhead, we won’t rush. Instead, we’ll have a slow start to the day and, depending on what the group is feeling, we’ll either stay at the lake for a while, hike up to the Marion View Overlook, and/or swing by the gorgeous Marion Falls before making our way to the Marion Lake Trailhead and driving the less-than-two-hour trip back to Bend.