INSIDE SCOOP
Picnic on a Blanket of Snow
Exploring Lost Creek Campground in the Winter
Lost Creek Campground is a favorite place to visit in the summer, whether you are camping or just enjoying a picnic or the handicap accessible trails. However, Lost Creek makes a great destination in the winter for cross country skiers and snowshoers as well.
Winter enthusiasts can park at the gate at Road 1825 and ski up about 3 miles to the “Y” that leads to Ramona Falls to the left and Lost Creek on the right. Continuing up 1/2 mile further takes you to the campground, where you can follow the trails to the Lost Creek viewing decks and the Beaver Pond. The viewing decks provide the perfect place to enjoy a wintry picnic in the snow with a view of the creek.
The ski in is slightly uphill and a pleasant relaxed downhill on the way back on a wide forest service road. Allow 3 hours including your picnic.
All of the winter trails in The Villages are snow-level dependent. Always stop by or call the Mt. Hood Information Center for snow level updates and access to these prime locations in The Villages of Mt. Hood.
Mt Hood Information Center
24403 E Welches Road, #103
www.MtHood.info
503-622-4822 or Toll Free 1-888.622.4822
Mt Hood National Forest links:
Mt Hood National Forest
Sno-Park & Winter Trail Information.
Two good sites to check for weather:
Natural Resource Conservation Service’s snow monitoring site.
While not fully representative, the 7-day detailed report has the latest temperature and snow depth on the ground.
National Weather Service, Portland area:
Click just west of Mt Hood on the map that comes up. Look at the elevation for the
Forecast (Lost Creek Campground is at 2600 feet elevation).
Road Conditions:
For winter driving information, mainly about traction devices and chains (which are a must-have when traveling in the Mt Hood area in winter months).
January/February 2008 « Back to this issue...
Our stories are written by Andrée Larson. Andrée grew up in the Portland/Vancouver area. She earned an MA in Art History at the University of Oregon, and writes about the history and culture of people and communities. She’s spent time in Europe and on the East Coast, and says the Pacific Northwest is hands down the best place to live. She currently lives in Tacoma with her husband, an artist..