29 Lost Lake Loop

This easy 3.0-mile route takes you on a tour around picturesque Lost Lake in Mount Hood National Forest. Perks include spectacular views of Mount Hood, pockets of old-growth forest, and opportunities for swimming.

Distance: 3.0-mile loop

Hiking time: About 1 hour

Elevation gain: None

Trail surface: Dirt path

Best season: June through Oct

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted

Fees and permits: Northwest Forest Pass required; passes available by calling (800) 270-7504 or online at www.fs.usda.gov/main/r6/passes-permits

Schedule: Open all hours

Maps: USGS: Bull Run Lake; Maptech CD: Newport/Portland/Mount Hood/The Dalles

Trail contact: Mount Hood National Forest Headquarters Office, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy 97055; (503) 668-1700; www.fs.usda.gov/mthood

Finding the trailhead: From the intersection of I-205 and I-84 in Portland, head east 7.2 miles on I-84 to exit 13 for 238th Drive/Wood Village. Turn right onto 238th Drive and proceed 2.9 miles. Turn left onto Burnside Road. Travel 1.0 mile and then turn left (east) onto US 26. Continue 27.5 miles east on US 26 to the town of Zigzag. At the Zigzag Store turn left (north) onto East Lolo Pass Road. Travel 10.9 miles on East Lolo Pass Road to the intersection with unsigned gravel FR 1810 (McKee Creek Road), which is the first right turn after signed FR 828. Turn right on FR 1810 and continue 7.5 miles until the road intersects FR 18. Proceed 7.0 miles on pavement to the intersection with FR 13. Turn left onto FR 13 and travel 6.0 miles to the pay booth at Lost Lake. After the pay booth at the lake, stay right as the road parallels the lake. Continue past the general store to the road’s end at a day-use picnic area.

From I-84 in Hood River, take exit 62, signed WEST HOOD RIVER. Travel about 1.0 mile into Hood River and take a right onto Thirteenth Street. Travel approximately 3.5 miles to Odell. Cross a bridge and turn right past Tucker Park and travel 6.3 miles. Stay right toward Dee. From the small town of Dee, travel 14.0 miles, following signs to Lost Lake. After the pay booth at the lake, stay right as the road parallels the lake. Continue past the general store to the road’s end at a day-use picnic area. DeLorme: Oregon Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 62 A2. GPS: 45°29'45.33"N/ 121°49'20.48"W

The Hike

You’ll begin hiking on this route in a counterclockwise direction on Lakeshore Trail 656. The path is wide, smooth, and fast and travels beneath a shady forest canopy of cedar and hemlock trees. Looking across the lake you’ll have a picturesque view of Mount Hood. You’ll follow this path as it circles a quick 3.0 miles around the lake. If you want to explore this area further, you can stay at the campground. If you’re looking for more comfortable accommodations, Lost Lake Resort (541-386-6366) rents cabins that are located right on the lake.

Miles and Directions

0.0From the parking area begin hiking counterclockwise around the lake on Lakeshore Trail 656. Make a note of the intersection where the parking lot access trail meets the Lakeshore Trail. This will be your exit trail after you finish the lake loop.

0.6Cross a boardwalk that travels through a marshy area filled with skunk cabbage and marsh grasses.

1.8Arrive at a trail intersection with the signed HUCKLEBERRY MOUNTAIN TRAIL. Stay to the left and continue on the Lakeshore Trail. Continue another 100 yards to another trail junction where a sign indicates OLD-GROWTH TRAIL/GROUP CAMP/DAY-USE AREA 1.0 MILE. Veer left.

2.5The trail becomes pavement.

2.8The paved path intersects a paved road at an unsigned junction. Veer left and continue hiking on a gravel path.

2.9Cross a footbridge over Lake Branch Creek.

3.0Turn right and walk up a short set of stairs to arrive back at the parking area and your starting point.