Winding around popular Diamond Lake, this level paved trail passes wildflowers, some forest and many camping areas. Look for some varied mountain vistas. This popular getaway is surrounded by mountain views, over 400 campsites, five boat ramps, a resort lodge, and a paved 11.5-mile loop trail that provides an easy ride around the lake for mountain bikers. At times the trail dips into a forest of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and long-needled ponderosa pine. Look here for white trilliums in May and star-flowered smilacina in June.
Views ahead are to broad Mt. Bailey.
Spire-tipped Mt. Thielsen is behind you. After 1.7 miles, the trail briefly joins a road to cross Lake Creek, the lake's outlet. This is a possible turnaround spot for bikers with children. If you're continuing, you'll find the trail wedged between the shore and the road for the next 1.2 miles. Diamond Lake's basin once cradled a broad Ice Age glacier that descended from the flanks of Mt. Thielsen, Mt. Bailey, and Crater Lake's volcano, Mt. Mazama.