Lost Lake, Oregon - Camping, Hiking, and Kayaking

About Lost Lake

Lost Lake is located just Northwest of Mt. Hood and Southwest of Hood River by only 45 minutes in the Mt. Hood National Forest. It boasts incredible views of Mt. Hood, beautiful hiking among ancient fir forests, and a lake that prohibits the use of motorized boats which makes it perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding. There is also a campground there that is among some of the best I have ever stayed at. It is situated among a large fir forest and feels more like camping among the forest than in a campground.

My First Time Visiting

I first travelled to Lost Lake three years ago after I saw a photo online of it. It was just off the road from where I was going and so I made the short drive up. I expected it to be pretty neat but I certainly did not foresee that this place would be so incredible that it would become a yearly trip for me and my family. I have since visited this beautiful lake every year and will be taking my son and wife this year for the first time. It is perfect for families no matter the size or age of your kids.

Lost Lake Resort and Campground

This lake has one of the best campgrounds I have ever stayed at. It is located in a beautiful ancient fir forest and it truly feels like you are one with nature when camping here. As mentioned, the lake is only 45 minutes from Hood River and is a very easy drive. The lake itself is small enough to walk around over the course of a few hours and does have trails that do so. Within the lake there are trout and thousands of rough skinned newts that can be swimming around. If you have kids, they will love watching them (and let’s be real, I guarantee you will as well) but do be mindful that they can carry salmonella and, being wildlife, should be left alone to swim. The lake offers a little bit of everything from landscape photography, kayaking, hiking, and of course, camping. It is worth spending a weekend at as there are many things to do and see.

Flowers found in the Spring at Lost Lake

Outdoor Activities

After experiencing a little bit of everything at Lost Lake, by far one of my favorite memories and experiences was that of going kayaking at sunrise. As stated, Lost Lake is unique in that there are no motorized boats and the way that it sits among the mountains makes for many windless mornings where the lake’s surface is smooth as glass. Of the ten or so mornings I have visited, eight of them had water of this nature and the other two were close.

Lost lake is also amazing for photographers. Whether you like to shoot during the day or during night, there are endless angles and incredible shots to be had. The sun rises behind Mt. Hood at a very pleasing angle for photos and the Milky Way rises and travels directly over Mt. Hood during the night. There is little to no light pollution here which makes for incredible night sky viewing and photographing.

Final Remarks

Whether you are a photographer or simply love the outdoors, Lost Lake Resort and Campground has a bit of everything. It has quickly grown in popularity both personally and those seeking a weekend get-away. There is a reason why I think it is one of the best lakes in the PNW. If you have not visited this lake, it is a must. Take your family or go by yourself and see for yourself! I guarantee you will not regret it.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me! If you like this article, make sure to check out my blog for more like this one. Thank you for reading along and get out there!

-Zach Nichols

Lost Lake, Oregon - Camping, Hiking, and Kayaking

Written by: Zach Nichols

January 8, 2020

Landscapes, TravelZach NicholsNovember 30, 2019