13. Lost Lake Butte

 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 3/4 miles one way

Difficulty                             Moderate

Season                               Summer to autumn

Elevation range                3,200 – 4,468 feet

Human imprint                  High (hikers, large campground nearby)

Information                       Mount Hood National Forest (Hood River Ranger District)

Primary old growth features

Transition old growth near Lost Lake.

Description

This short hike climbs steadily up Lost Lake Butte for a panoramic view of Cascade peaks from Mt. Rainier to Mt. Jefferson, with Mt. Hood front and center. The trailhead lies within the Lost Lake Resort, which charges a day-use fee (currently $15) for trailhead parking. Start out on the Lakeshore Express Trail (658) heading upslope away from the lake. Cross the road after a hundred yards or so and continue uphill on the Lost Lake Bute Trail (616).

The trail is initially in transition old growth with large Douglas-fir and western hemlock intermixed with old noble fir and Pacific silver fir. The trailside forest becomes younger about halfway up the butte. There are remnants of an old lookout near the top, where breathtaking views of Mt. Hood and more distant peaks await.

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. Turn left (south) on FR 1340 and go south approximately 0.75 mile and park at the trailhead for the Lakeshore Express Trail #658.

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.