Swimming is permitted in Mt. Hood National Forest waters unless posted otherwise. Water temperatures are generally extremely cold. Exercise caution to prevent hypothermia. Also, river currents and eddies can be powerful. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar waters.
Warmer weather can bring blue-green algae blooms to lakes. Learn more...
Swimming is permitted in Mt. Hood National Forest waters unless posted otherwise. Water temperatures are generally extremely cold. Exercise caution to prevent hypothermia. Also, river currents and eddies can be powerful. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar waters.
Warmer weather can bring blue-green algae blooms to lakes. Learn more...
The campground is easily accessible and very popular because of the beautiful lake and serene atmosphere. This popular campground is found on the Rock Creek Reservoir. It is shaded by Ponderosa Pines and a popular campground for families interested in boating and fishing.
Located on the eastern shore of Clear Lake. Wheelchair accessible.
Clear Lake is not a natural lake but a reservoir created and managed under a long-term permit for agricultural irrigation off the forest. The lake usually becomes increasingly shallow beginning in early July.
On the southern edge of Laurance Lake. Walk-in access only to the campsites. On Laurence Lake this area is a natural attraction all its own. With incredible lake views, regular sightings of bald eagles and rock and hill formations that surround this site, it is the perfect place to go "off the grid" and enjoy the outdoors.
The location offers vault toilets. There is a boat ramp nearby. Laurence Lake allows all non-motorized water sports. There are no rental facilities on site.
The first mile is barrier free. This trail starts at the Lost Lake day use parking lot.This trail is an easy 3.1 mile stroll around the perimeter of Lost Lake. There are excellent views of Mount Hood along the trail. The trail goes through stands of old growth cedars and Doug Fir and Hemlock. At the inlet there is often beaver activity. Much of the path is made up of raised boardwalks.
The trail starts at the end of Lost Lake Viewpoint Road, at the north end of the lake, and makes a loop around Lost Lake. From Lost Lake Viewpoint Road heading west, the first 0.2 mile of the trail is a self guided nature walk. From the store parking lot south 1.2 miles to the bottom of the lake is barrier free and accessible for those with mobility issues. Continue another 1.7 miles to complete the loop around the lake.
This trail offers spectacular views of Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams from the summit of Lost Lake Butte. Remants of an old lookout tower are visible from the top of the Butte.
The trail begins at Lost Lake Campground (3,200’) and ends at Lost Lake Butte (4,468’). The trail climbs at a moderate grade passing through heavy timber. The last ¾ mile ascends steeply via a series of switchbacks to the summit. The remains of an old fire lookout are found just below the summit. Other trails in the vicinity are the Lakeshore Trail #656 and the Huckleberry Mountain Trail #617.
This is a short barrier free trail that travels through old growth forest near Lost Lake. The trail offers hikers an opportunity to learn more about the ecology of the area through numerous interpretive signs along the trail. The trail travels through old growth forest. This trail runs north-south between A Loop Campground and the Organization Camp. To access this trail, take the Lakeshore Express Trail #658 (from the trailhead at the C Loop Campground entrance) 250 feet west to the north trailhead for this trail (#657). Turn left (south) on #657 and follow the trail to its junction with Lakeshore Trail #656.
Zigzag Ranger District spans parts of the South and West side of Mt Hood.
The District includes 250,000 acres and is located about an hour from Portland. The district manages one of the region's largest recreation programs including 550 summer homes, 30 developed campgrounds, three ski areas including Timberline Lodge (Timberline Lodge has nearly 2 million visitors a year, and is one of only three National Historic Landmarks in the Forest Service System), many special use permits, over 300 miles of trails, and two wilderness areas.
The district also manages the Bull Run Watershed cooperatively with the City of Portland, which supplies drinking water to the Portland metropolitan area. The offices of the ranger district is historic, constructed in the 1930s by the CCC. Many of the original buildings remain.
Scroll down for a list of Zigzag Ranger District recreation sites, sorted by activity.
Pine Point Campground is located on the shores of Timothy Lake in the shadow of Oregon's Mt. Hood. It is a beautiful place for individuals, families and larger groups to camp and enjoy nature, as miles of scenic trails surround the campground and access to the lake provides endless recreation possibilities. On the southwest side Timothy Lake. There is a large parking area on the lakeshore for boaters. Campground is wheelchair accessible.
Timothy Lake in the shadow of Oregon's Mt. Hood. The surrounding forest setting offers spectacular views, several trails for exploration and abundant fishing. Provides access to: Timothy Lake Trail #528.
Toilet and picnic tables available in the nearby campground. Parking area capacity is for 10 medium sized vehicles.
