11. Lost Lake Loop

2024 Status

Based on recent aerial photography, the old forest along this hike appears to be in good shape. I plan to field-check and update the hike description, photos and map later in 2024.

Summary

Length                                3 ¼ mile loop

Difficulty Easy

Season                               Summer to autumn

Elevation range                 3,180 – 3,240 feet

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

Information                       Mount Hood National Forest (Hood River Ranger District)

Primary old growth features

Impressive ancient western redcedar and western hemlock.

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 on the northwest and southeast lakeshores. A large campground on the east shore of the lake and two day-use areas attracts hordes of weekend outdoor enthusiasts. A visit during the week, though, is well worthwhile and relatively quiet. The resort site is not part of the Northwest Forest Pass network and a day-use fee (currently $15) is charged to enter the developed area.

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 western hemlock and western redcedar dominate the first mile, accompanied by Douglas-fir and occasional noble fir. Interpretative signs explain natural features along the first quarter mile of barrier-free trail. An opening in the forest frames a famous picture-postcard view of snow-draped Mount Hood rising spectacularly over the lake. Pockets of big western redcedar are rooted in seasonally soaked soils near a small marsh by Inlet Creek. Continue around the lake through an old western hemlock forest before entering a younger forest.

Approximately 1 3/4 miles from the trailhead, the Lakeshore Trail intersects the Huckleberry Mountain Trail (617) a couple hundred yards from its trailhead near the southern tip of the lake, providing a potential alternative starting point for the loop. Hikers with an annual Northwest Forest Pass may be able to park at the small parking area at this trailhead and avoid the additional day-use fee.

Another trail intersection lies to the east a couple hundred yards around the lakeshore, offering two options for the closing leg of the loop. Stay left along the lakeshore, or turn right to head up toward the organization camp to pick up the southern end of the Lost Lake Old-Growth Interpretive Trail (see Hike 12). Both routes are scenic and lead north through the campground back to the trailhead.

Note: “Friday-Monday, a road barricade is staffed 4 miles below the entrance to the resort. Once parking capacity has been reached, vehicles will be turned around at that location. This is the result of parking congestion along the roadways accessing the campground and resort. The congestion has made it difficult for emergency personnel to access the site.” As posted on the Mt. Hood NF website in 2023.

25 Years of Change

The forest appears largely unchanged. I plan to field check the entire loop in 2024.

How to get there

Head south through the town of Hood River on 12th Street and follow signs toward Odell. Turn left on Tucker Road approximately 2 miles south of Hood River. Cross to the south side of Hood River 2 miles later and immediately bear right toward Tucker Park and Dee. At a junction in 5 3/4 miles turn right toward Lost Lake. Cross the East Fork Hood River in a third of a mile and bear left onto Lost Lake Road (which becomes FR 13). Continue straight at a junction near Lost Lake 13 1/2 miles later coming to an entrance station in a couple hundred yards. Follow the signs downhill to the right to park in the picnic and day-use area on the north shore. Stay to the left and head south for a mile or so to reach the alternative trailhead on the south end of the lake.