11. Lost Lake Loop

Summary

Length                                3 ¼ mile loop

Season                               Summer to autumn

Elevation range                3,180 – 3,240 feet

Human imprint                  Very high (hikers, boaters and paddlers, large campground)

Information                       Mount Hood National Forest (Hood River Ranger District)

Primary old growth features

Impressive ancient western redcedar.

Description

Majestic old forests border scenic Lost Lake, a popular destination northwest of Mount Hood. A well-used trail circles the lake passing by some notable western redcedar, especially on the northwest lakeshore. Snow-clad Mt. Hood provides a dramatic backdrop for the lake in a classic Pacific Northwest image.

Lost Lake hosts a large recreational complex including campgrounds, cabins, yurts, day-use areas and a general store all managed by Lost Lake Resorts. All this attracts hordes of summer weekend outdoor enthusiasts. A visit during the week is relatively quiet though, and well worthwhile. Note that the resort site is not part of the Northwest Forest Pass, Interagency Pass, or Senior Pass networks and a day-use fee (currently $15) is charged to enter the developed area. The fee is waived for overnight visitors.

From the day-use trailhead on the north shore of the lake, head counter-clockwise on the Lakeshore Trail (656) and immediately enter a stellar old forest. Large Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western redcedar dominate the first mile, accompanied by occasional noble fir. A couple of lakeshore benches in the first third of a mile indicate opportunities for your own picture-postcard image of snow-draped Mount Hood rising spectacularly over the lake. Big western redcedar cluster in seasonally soaked soils near a small marsh by Inlet Creek.

Continue around the lake through mixed old forest before the trail drops down to the lakeshore and enters a younger forest. At the southern end of the lake approximately 1 3/4 miles from the trailhead, the Lakeshore Trail intersects the Huckleberry Mountain Trail (617), then comes to another intersection a couple hundred yards later. Stay left on the Lakeshore Trail for a direct return to the trailhead on a narrow strip of forest between the campground and lake. This final section is barrier-free.

Alternatively, turn right at the last intersection and head upslope toward the organization camp to pick up the southern end of the Lost Lake Old-Growth Trail (see Hike 12). Although both routes are scenic, this latter route is highly recommended if this is your only chance to hike the Old-Growth Trail.

30 years of change

The forest appears largely unchanged. The interpretative signs on the Lakeshore Trail are no longer maintained.

How to get there

Head south through the town of Hood River on 13th Street, continuing south on Highway 281 (Dee Highway). Stay on Highway 281 for a little over 11 miles, then turn right onto Lost Lake Road near Dee. Stay on Lost Lake Road for approximately 14 miles until reaching the entrance station. Follow the signs downhill to the right to park at the end of the road near the picnic and day-use area on the north shore.