Highlights
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.2 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 20 feet
Season: Late spring, summer, fall
Notes: The lake is privately held and requires a $6 day fee (per car) for parking. More at https://lostlakeresort.org/
This hike is featured in “Oregon’s Ancient Forests: A hiking guide” – Get the book here!
About this Hike
You can find the heart of Mount Hood’s beauty and wildlife at Lost Lake. While the resort and campgrounds are a favorite destination for families and others seeking tranquil waters for nonmotorized boating, classic views, and pure mountain air, the ancient forests here steal the show. The forested ridge to the west of Lost Lake divides the Hood River drainage from the Bull Run watershed just to the west—the source of Portland’s drinking water.
Photographers praise Lost Lake’s unrivaled vistas, birdwatchers flock to see riparian and high elevation birds, and natural history-lovers bask in old-growth forests and abundant wildflowers. The Lost Lake area is home to critters that depend on old-growth forests, like cavity-nesting birds and mammals like pine martens and native bats. High elevation and diverse habitats provide both excellent wildlife habitat and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Take the Lost Lake Shoreline Trail #656 for an easy 3.2 mile hike with breathtaking views of Mount Hood and Lost Lake Butte, great for families or beginning hikers. Lost Lake’s high elevation offers cool relief on hot summer days, as does the general store where kids and adults alike can enjoy an ice cream treat.
If you’re up for more hiking, circle half-way around the lake and head up the Huckleberry Mountain Trail #617 to the Pacific Crest Trail. From there you can enjoy more stunning views of Mount Hood and the Bull Run watershed. This additional hike is moderate and is 7.5 miles round trip back to the Lost Lake parking lot.
Getting There
From Interstate 84 in Portland, take exit 62 in Hood River for US Highway 30 east (Westcliff Drive). Turn right on US 30, and then turn right on Mount Adams Avenue. Mount Adams turns to the right and becomes Wine Country Avenue and then Country Club Road. Follow this road for about 3 miles and turn left onto Barrett Drive. In 1.2 miles, turn right onto Tucker Road (Oregon Route 281). Two miles later, stay right toward Odell, Dee, and Parkdale to stay on OR 281. Drive along the Hood River for 6 miles and then turn right at a sign for Dee and Lost Lake. Cross the East Fork Hood River, stay left on Lost Lake Road, and follow curves and signs to stay on Lost Lake Road. Eight miles after turning onto Lost Lake Road, turn right at a sign for Lost Lake Resort 6 miles, and continue. You’ll reach the entrance station a total of 13.8 miles after turning off OR 281. After paying the entrance fee, proceed ahead and stay to the right toward the general store and boat rental area. Continue left to cross the small bridge at Lake Branch Creek and park in the large parking loop at the end of the road.
The drive from Hood River takes about 45 minutes and is all on paved roads.
Take Action
Oregon Wild has long worked to gain Wilderness protection for the Lost Lake area. Wilderness protection would forever safeguard the land from logging, mining, and other development while preserving the public’s right to enjoy backcountry recreation. The River Democracy Act proposal would protect the headwaters of the Lake Branch Fork of Hood River as a Wild & Scenic River. Take action to support the River Democracy Act here.
