12. Lost Lake Old-Growth Trail

Summary

Length                                1 mile one way

Season                               Early summer to autumn

Elevation range                3,160 – 3,240 feet

Human imprint                  Very high (hikers, large campground)

Information                       Mount Hood National Forest (Hood River Ranger District)

Primary old growth features

Interpretative and barrier-free trail through immense western redcedar and notable noble fir.

Description

The Lost Lake Old-Growth Trail (657) samples one of the finest groves of western redcedar in Oregon with numerous redcedars reaching 6-8’ or more in diameter. And for good measure, the trail also passes through a cluster of magnificent noble fir and several huge old Douglas-fir and western hemlock. The barrier-free, wheelchair accessible trail (rated as ‘More Difficult’ for wheelchairs) also boasts a series of trailside interpretive displays explaining many features of old-growth forests.

The old-growth trail runs parallel to the eastern shore of Lost Lake, sandwiched between the lower and upper campground roads. Lost Lake hosts a large recreational complex managed by Lost Lake Resorts that attracts hordes of summer weekend outdoor enthusiasts. A visit during the week is relatively quiet though, and is highly recommended. 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.

The southern portion of the trail is a single-lane boardwalk with pullouts and is particularly well endowed with a spectacular collection of colossal western redcedar and sky-scraping noble fir. The northern end is gravel surfaced and continues through impressive old growth. Most interpretative displays are located along the south end of the trail. Note that though there are not specific trailhead parking areas, the trail can be readily accessed from numerous points, including day-use parking areas and wide spots along the road.

30 Years of Change

Thankfully, the forest appears largely unchanged.

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. There are numerous ways to access the trail, including from the North and South Day-Use parking lots, along wide spots beside the road near the north and south ends of the trail, from the Lakeshore Express Trails off the Lakeshore Trail, and at the south end of the lake just past the Organization Camp where FR 1340 (the upper campground road) is gated.