12. Lost Lake Old-Growth Trail
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 1 mile one way
Difficulty Easy
Season Early summer to autumn
Elevation range 3,160 – 3,240 feet
Human imprint Very high (large campground, hikers, boaters,)
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) runs parallel to the eastern shore of Lost Lake, sandwiched between the lake and FR 1340. The barrier-free, mile-long trail is accessible to wheelchairs (trail grade does not exceed 5 percent). The southern portion of the trail is a single-lane boardwalk with pullouts and is particularly well endowed with colossal western redcedar (6 to 8 feet thick) and regal noble fir. A series of interpretive displays along this portion of the trail explain many features of old-growth forests.
Pick up the north end of the trail from the day-use area on the northeastern lakeshore. Wheelchair users may want to start from the south end near the boardwalk. Inquire at the entrance station to verify that there is space in the organization camp parking lot.
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.
30 Years of Change
The forest appears largely unchanged.
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.
Turn left at the stop sign by the lake and park by the kiosk on the left a couple hundred yards later. Note that there is a $15 day-use fee, which is not covered by the Northwest Forest Pass. To get to the south end of the trail, head south on FR 1340 for a mile or so past the entrance station and turn right into the organization camp parking lot.
Map note
The map below was created in 1993 and accurate at that time. I plan to field check and update the map in 2024.
