20. Lost Creek Nature Trail

Summary

Length                                ½ mile loop

Difficulty                             Very easy

Season                               Late spring to autumn

Elevation range                2,350 – 2,350 feet

Human imprint                  High (adjacent campground, hikers)

Information                       Mount Hood National Forest (Zigzag Ranger District)

Primary old growth features

Easily accessible, paved interpretive trail close to Portland featuring large, old trees.

Description

The Lost Creek Nature Trail (776) is paved and barrier-free offering an opportunity for folks of any age or ability to experience big trees in a peaceful forest setting. The pavement is showing its age, however, and wheelchair users will need a little muscle to deal with surface bumps and irregularities. The loop parallels gurgling Lost Creek, and has benches and short trail extensions to the stream, and to an old, abandoned beaver pond. Interpretive signs explain important features of the ecosystem.

The forest features Douglas-fir, noble fir, western redcedar, western hemlock and Pacific silver fir. Most larger trees are in the 200–300-year-old range, though some are quite large. An attractive, somewhat older stand lies just across the creek.

30 Years of Change

No significant change.

How to get there

Turn north onto East Lolo Pass Road (FR 18) from U.S. Highway 26 at Zigzag (29 miles southeast of Gresham). Turn right onto FR 1825 approximately 4 ¼ miles later, and then turn right after 2 ¾ miles into the Lost Creek Campground and Day-Use area. Trailhead parking is on the right. Note that FR 1825 is paved, but narrow and eroded in places.