Information
Landmark: Lost LakeCity: Hood River
Country: USA Oregon
Continent: North America
Lost Lake, Hood River, USA Oregon, North America
Overview
Lost Lake sits at the base of Mount Hood in northern Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest, its clear water reflecting the snowy peak above.Famous for its crystal‑clear water, the way the mountain’s reflection shimmers on the surface, and the easy access to trails and fishing spots, it draws both day‑trippers and campers who linger overnight.Just 12 miles northwest of Government Camp, Oregon, you’ll find this spot along the winding Mount Hood Scenic Byway, with the mountain’s snowy peak often in view.The land sits about 3,400 feet-roughly 1,036 meters-above sea level, high enough for the air to feel crisp in the morning.It spans about 330 acres, and its depth shifts with the seasons, rising after the spring snowmelt.The landscape sits in a glacially carved valley, ringed by thick conifer woods, bright alpine meadows, and rugged volcanic slopes dusted with ash.Recreational features include trout fishing, with rainbow, brook, and stocked varieties tugging at your line in the cool, clear water.People often head out in small boats, from wooden canoes to bright plastic kayaks.Enjoy paddling or rowing out on the water, and if you bring a small motorboat, keep to the limits so the lake stays as calm as a glassy morning.During peak season, you can rent a canoe or kayak, even one with paddles still damp from the last trip.Winding paths circle the lake and stretch into Mount Hood Forest, inviting you to spend the day hiking, spotting wildlife, or snapping photos of sunlit peaks through the trees.The nearby trails wind toward Mount Hood, leading to sweeping viewpoints and high meadows dotted with wildflowers.At Lost Lake Resort, you can pitch a tent under the pines, settle into a cozy cabin, or park your RV by the water’s edge.Seasonal camping offers tent sites tucked beneath shady trees, just steps from the lake’s edge.Swimming: In the warm months, the lake’s shallow edge is perfect for wading or taking a swim, with cool water lapping gently at your ankles.Around the lake, you’ll often spot ospreys diving for fish, herons stalking the shallows, and flocks of waterfowl gliding across the surface.In the surrounding forest, you’ll spot deer and squirrels, and now and then, even a black bear rustling through the underbrush.Vegetation: Douglas fir, western hemlock, and lodgepole pine ring the area, their needles whispering in the breeze.In summer, nearby meadows burst with seasonal wildflowers, their petals splashing color across the grass.Scenic Reflections: On still mornings, Lost Lake holds a flawless image of Mount Hood, its snowy peak floating on the glassy water-a view locals and travelers can’t resist capturing.The atmosphere feels tranquil and reflective, with far fewer visitors than other Mount Hood lakes-you might hear nothing but the wind in the pines, wrapped in a rare sense of solitude and wilderness.The best time to go is summer, from June through September, when the lake’s calm water is perfect for boating, fishing, and camping.Savor the crisp air and the blaze of red and gold leaves.You can drive right in, with parking spots at several overlooks and trail starts, though a few places close in winter when deep snow blocks the roads.Photography rewards you with unforgettable views of Mount Hood, glowing pink at sunrise and fading into gold at sunset.Nearby Attractions: Mount Hood Meadows offers brisk winter skiing and, when the snow melts, trails lined with wildflowers for summer hikes.Timberline Lodge, a historic retreat, offers sweeping views of the mountains, where snow sometimes clings to the peaks even in summer.Trillium Lake shimmers like glass, with trails winding through the pines and campsites just steps from the shore.Zigzag River Trail winds between towering pines and the flowing river, linking the forest and water for hikers and nature lovers alike.The Mount Hood Scenic Byway winds past glittering lakes, misty waterfalls, and inviting spots to stop and explore.Lost Lake is a peaceful alpine getaway where still waters mirror Mount Hood’s snowy peak, and visitors can hike, fish, or paddle no matter the season.With its glassy waters, wandering deer, and endless trails, it’s easy to see why this lake is one of the most cherished spots in the Mount Hood National Forest.
