Trip – Lost Lake

Lost Lake has been a favorite tourist destination for more than a century. In the early days, the rough road from Hood River led to rustic cabins and camping, with fishing from rowboats. Today, the rowboats are still there — and motorized boats strictly prohibited — but a paved highway winds up the grade from Hood River to the lake.

The lake is an ideal introduction to the outdoors for families. The easy Lost Lake Loop Hike features lots of places for kids to poke sticks in the water, collect fir cones, and delight in the extensive system of boardwalks that meander through ancient forests on the east shore and wetlands on the north side. There are several good swimming spots for kids along the lakeshore.

Perhaps the greatest attraction at Lost Lake is simply the view of Mount Hood’s beautiful northwest face.

Easy paddling on the river is a favorite pastime as well as fishing from the annually stocked lake.

Directions

From Portland via Hood River (all paved roads)

From Portland go East on HWY 84 to Hood River and take exit 62. Turn right on Cascade Ave (HWY 30) and continue for about a mile. Turn right on 13th St. and then right on 12th St. 12th St. becomes Tucker, which you will stay on (despite it turning right and left) until Tucker becomes Dee/ Hood River HWY. Take the Dee HWY 6.5 miles to Dee, and exit Lost Lake Rd. Follow Lost Lake Rd through Dee. Continue on Lost Lake Rd, which becomes FS road 13. Follow FS Rd. 13 to Lost Lake. The drive from Hood River takes about 45 minutes.

From Portland via ZigZag (4 miles of unpaved road)

From HWY 26 turn north onto Lolo Pass Rd (FS Rd. 18) and go 10.5 miles to FS Rd. 1810. Stay on FS Rd 1810 for 4 miles until it reconnects with FS Rd. 18. Follow FS Rd 18 to FS Rd. 13, and turn left (south) and follow FS Rd. 13 to Lost Lake.