We were driving down a gravel service road at about 3 miles per hour, hoping we wouldn’t get swallowed up in one of the enormous potholes! As usual, the GPS’ “fastest route” did not take this into consideration. The hour and 48 minute drive turned into three and a half and then there was a line. We were told that it would be an hour because the lake was full. “Full?” I asked. “Isn’t it a really big lake?” The flagger smiled politely and said there wasn’t any more parking. So we waited.
Lost Lake, located in Mount Hood National Forest, is actually 245 acres and has a maximum depth of 167 feet according to Wikipedia. Interestingly enough, there is another Lost Lake in the Willamette National Forest which actually disappears each year through a mysterious hole in the bottom.
Our intended destination was right where it was supposed to be. By the time we parked and walked to the boat rental shack, across from the general store, it was 4pm. You can bring your own non-motorized boat or rent one but rentals are a little expensive.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash. I even saw a couple riding on a paddle board with their owner. They looked very happy! It costs $29/hour per stand up paddle board, with a two hour minimum, so we decided to get one and share it. We had a lovely time cooling off in the lake and playing with the paddle board.
I made note of some things to share with you, and to remember next time we go:
First, there is a much better way to get there by way of Highway 84, through Hood River. Don’t take Highway 26 unless you have a high clearance vehicle.
Second, there are quite a few nice little lake-side alcoves with picnic tables and adjacent parking. If you go early and secure a spot you will have somewhere to sit and can have a barbeque. That looked really fun. There are also reserveable campsites if you want to stay multiple days. See the Lost Lake Resort website for reservations.
Finally, there is great hiking around the lake, although we were uninterested when we went because of the extreme heat. The forest service website says, “There are a number of hiking and biking trails near the campground ranging in length from 1/4 mile to over 100 miles. Other activities include bird watching, berry picking, swimming, waterfall finding or simply enjoying one of the many scheduled activities such as telescoped stargazing, special Forest Service events or live music.” The forest service also has a reserveable campground that can be found on their page.
Lost Lake is a fun destination whether you are travelling solo or with the family. I found a nice blog by To & Fro Fam that describes a hike and boat ride with young children at Lost Lake. It was written a few years ago so the prices are not quite accurate but it was a fun read.
Entrance fee: $10
When I come out to visit Oregon, this would be one of the spots I would go to.
Make sure to let me know if you do!
Don’t forget to bring your inflatable boat and some buckets for berry picking :3
I see someone loves berries!
One cannot not love the berries. Even monsters love them 😛
It looks lovely also a bit tourist trappy for me personally. The high cost of rentals also disappointing. Waiting for an hour in a hot car while waiting for parking, you have more patience than I. Nice blog, thank you Alice
Thanks for your comment Beverly! The Lost Lake Resort side is privately owned and has the General Store and boat rentals but there is another entrance run by the forest service which might be more to your liking. We hadn’t been there before and wanted to try out the paddle boards but you could just take floats and picnic stuff and make a day of it. It really is a beautiful place to spend the day.
This looks like a great place to camp, pick berries in the cool morning, then enjoy that water in the afternoons. I love the view around the lake. Great blog, thanks Alice!!
Thanks Leona! We had a great time!
They must have absolutely huge berry deposits around this lake!
If you went camping there you could make berry pancakes for breakfast!
Berry picking?! Is this competitive berry picking or pick-eat-a-berry type of picking 😀 I love the pictures – wholesome energy emanating like an aura from every single one.
Thanks Black Knight! I believe it is seasonal pick and eat a berry opportunity.
Looks like a fun place for us to explore when we get back. Thanks Alice!
Thanks! I bet Stout would look great on a stand up paddle board!