Lost Lake is a picturesque natural lake sitting at the foot of Mount Hood, 25 miles southwest of Hood River. It’s a popular summer destination that offers the perfect escape with breathtaking views of Oregon’s tallest volcano.

As early as the 1900s, Mount Hood’s view from the north lakeshore was used in postcards, calendars, and other souvenirs. The deep blue water reflects a mirror image of the white mountain peak rising above rolling foothills and lush forests.

The lake’s surface area is 240 acres, and its depth is up to 175 feet, making it the second deepest lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest after Wahtum Lake. At an elevation of 3,000 feet and fed by glacier creeks, the water remains cold even during the hottest summer days.

Lost Lake - Things to Do

Lost Lake has attracted tourists and nature lovers for over a century. This scenic destination offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, water sports, fishing, camping, hiking, and huckleberry picking.

Swimming & Water sports

While the water is chilly, swimming is still a favorite activity. Shallow areas near the Lost Lake Day-Use Area and the Northern Viewpoint are ideal for taking a dip. However, be cautious, as shorelines can drop off quickly to over 25 feet deep.

Other water activities include canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and tubing. The resort store rents out kayaks, canoes, wooden boats, paddleboards, and metal fishing boats. Motorboats are not allowed, keeping the lake quiet and peaceful.

Fishing

Fishing options at Lost Lake include flies, bait, lures, and trolling. You can fish from shore, boats, or float tubes. The site features a boat launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station.

The lake is stocked by ODFW with rainbow trout twice yearly—in late spring and early summer. Anglers may also catch kokanee, wild brown trout, and brook trout.

Hiking

Numerous hiking and biking trails begin around the campground, ranging from 0.25 miles to over 100 miles. Trails starting from the lake vary in difficulty.

Lakeshore Trail
A 1-mile, barrier-free and accessible trail running north-south between A Loop and Organization Campgrounds. Interpretive signs highlight the area’s unique ecology.

PDF Map

Huckleberry Mountain Trail
A more challenging 2.5-mile trail beginning from the Lakeshore Trail. It climbs through huckleberry-rich terrain and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. Huckleberry season usually runs from mid-August to September.

PDF Map

The full-service resort offers lodge rooms, cabins, yurts, and day-use facility. A general store sells firewood and other essentials.

A nearby 148-site campground provides a range of campsites, including single, group, and family options. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms, picnic areas, and drinking water are also available.

When the resort reaches full capacity, day-use visitors may be turned away. To ensure access, consider reserving an overnight stay or visiting midweek for a better chance of day-use availability.

Open: April-October
Managed by: Lost Lake Resort, US Forest Service
Location: Mount Hood National Forest

Amenities: Restrooms, drinking water, boat ramps, fishing dock, handicap accessible picnic sites,
Activities: Swimming, watersports, hiking, biking, fishing, scenic viewpoints

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes

Elevation: 3,200 ft (975 m)

Lost Lake is located:

• 25 miles southwest of Hood River
• 90 miles east of Portland.

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