For More Information For more information, contact Abe Quihuis, Detroit Ranger District, (503) 854-3366.

History

Prior to inclusion in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area, actions were underway to create a well-developed recreation area along Marion Lake.

This included summer homes, campgrounds, Forest Service guard stations, boat docks, and a boat house.

Historical Timeline

1913 -- In 1913, the first of two special use permits were issued for the construction of summer homes on the shores of Marion Lake.

1916 --Management plans for the Marion Lake Area date back to 1916 when the first of many plans was written.

1928-- Many structures were built in the vicinity of Marion Lake including this Forest Service Guard Station, circa 1928.

1946 -- Lake officially stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout. Rainbow are still stocked. Brook trout are also present in Marion Lake although no official stocking has ever taken place.

1950-- By 1950 its estimated that over 30 boats were being permanently stored at the lake.

1954 --A Boat Owner’s Association was formed and in 1954 a special use permit was issued by the Forest Service for the construction of a boathouse at Marion Lake.

1964-- Congress passed the Wilderness Act in 1964 setting new precedent for the management of wilderness areas.

1967 --A plan to create a Marion Lake Scenic Area was underway. The plan included increased development of much of the lake. By this time around 140 boats were stored at the lake.

1968-- The Marion Lake Area was included in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area upon its establishment in 1968, making the Scenic Area plan obsolete.

1971 -- To comply with the Wilderness Act, the Forest Service was required to remove the permanent structures. This included the boat house, guard stations, docks, summer homes, and campground facilities at Marion Lake.

1985 -- Wheeled devices, including bicycles and carts, were no longer allowed in the wilderness areas after a special order was enforced.

2000 -- Two of four toilets were destroyed and the remaining two were re-located. Toilets are the only permanent structure still existing at Marion Lake.

2002-- The Mount Marion fire burned portions of the area in August of 2002 and has thus far been determined to have been human caused.

2003 -- Fire Ban goes into effect. Campstoves fueled with liquid or compressed gas are allowed at Marion Lake area.