MT HOOD Hidden Lakes

Refreshing Hidden Lakes

in the Villages of Mt Hood

Imagine the calmness of the water as the sun rises and presents you with a magnificent reflection of Mt. Hood on the lake… Or floating around, soaking in the sun and breathtaking views…  Maybe even making that perfect cast and bringing home enough fish stories to tell over and over and over.  Whichever type of lake experience you are looking for, the Villages of Mt. Hood has it.

There are a number of gorgeous lakes that are accessible by vehicle.  Trillium Lake with its fantastic reflection and well-known, up-close view of the south side of Mt. Hood.  Frog Lake is small and leaves you wondering how so many frogs can start their lives there.  Clear Lake has two bald eagles that watch over you high up in the trees and osprey that dance and dive into the water for their breakfast anddinner.  Amazing to watch!  Timothy Lake is the largest of the lakes and offers many recreational opportunities such as swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, crawdad gathering, hiking, and just relaxing in the sun.  You can even windsurf on blusterydays.  Motorboats are allowed on Clear Lake and Timothy Lake with a 10-mile per hour speed limit.

Little Crater Lake is a must see!  Crystal clear, 45 feet deep, and cold as can be.  While swimming is not recommended here, some have been known to take a quick refreshing plunge on a hot summer day.  The short walk is well worth your time to get a closer look at this gorgeous lake with its huge meadows and views of Mt. Hood.

If you prefer to visit backcountry lakes on foot, then the Villages of Mt Hood is the right place to be!  From 1.2 miles round trip to Veda Lake, to 7 miles round trip to Burnt Lake, there is a lake within the range of your hiking boots.  Leave the crowds and cars behind and escape into the Mt. Hood Wilderness to the June-blooming rhododendrons and tall white fronds of bear grass at Hidden Lake, the evergreen old growth forest and Mt. Hood views at Burnt Lake, or visit one of the highest lakes on the mountain, Cast Lake.  (See related article, Inside Scoop.)

Don’t like the uphill climb as much as the downhill stroll?  Take the Mt Hood SkiBowl chairlift to 5,000 feet and walk down to Wind Lake with the kids to search for rough skinned newts, then take a break at the perfect spot for a picnic.

Mirror Lake is a spectacular 3.2 mile roundtrip hike to one of the best “post card” photo shots of Mt. Hood and its’ reflection in the lake.  Surrounded by cliffs and rock outcroppings behind you and the lake and Mt. Hood in front of you, there won’t be anyplace else you would rather be.

From sunrise to sunset there is no limit to the fun to be had at Oregon mountain lakes.  Take a paddle, float around, and splash your friend, followed by goodies out of your picnic basket or find out if your lucky fishing pole is aptly named.  Any day at the lake makes for a refreshing respite in the Villages of Mt Hood!

When Venturing Into the Woods and Waters

Always be aware of your surroundings and the natural environment.  Be sure to clean up after yourself as well as others to ensure that we will always have the pristine conditions that we enjoy today.  Remember to bring your life preserver, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water. 

Be safe, have fun, and take home some splashing good memories of Mt. Hood!

August/September 2008

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