"Early lava flows near the headwaters of the McKenzie River dammed Hackleman Creek, creating a body of water eventually named Fish Lake. The seasonal lake has since attracted people and animals, seeking a resting place in the dense forest. The authors describe the ecological setting of Fish Lake and its evolution of human use, from Native Americans, to a popular waystation for travelers along the Santiam Wagon Road, to a U.S. Forest Service base of oeprations for fire management, including a Remount Depot to pack crews into the back country. Their narration is interspersed with contemporary and historic stories and photos"-- back cover