Difficulty: Moderate
Length: Approx. 2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 250 feet
Season: July-September
Location: Anthony Lake area (50 minutes from Baker City)
Notes: No cell service. Bring bug spray.
Black Lake is a great hike for kids! It's much easier than hiking to Van Patten Lake, but still has a beautiful view at the end and lots of fun rocks to climb on along the way and at the lake. As with all alpine lakes, bring your bug spray :) We went in mid-July and it was a bit buggy, but not enough to prevent us from hanging out at the lake for awhile.
We hiked up here with several other families and even the 3-year olds were able to complete most of this hike without help. These big rocks at the lake were such a hit with all of the kids! When you reach the lake, make sure you continue following the path a little ways along the lake to reach these rocks.
From what I remember, most of this hike is in the shade which is always a plus in the summer months.
Getting There: Follow Anthony Lakes Highway up to the ski resort. We chose to park at the Elkhorn Crest Trailhead, which is just before you reach the campground and skirt resort. You can also access Black Lake from the Anthony Lakes boat ramp. Both trails are about the same length and if you'd like you can hike it as a loop.
If you start at the Elkhorn Crest Trailhead, make sure you watch for the right-hand turn to head to Black Lake about 1/2 miles into your hike. Starting from the boat launch, the trail merges with the Elkhorn Crest Trail briefly and then you take that same right-hand turn to Black Lake.
