Photo by Noryne Robinson
Scenic Hikes
A Refreshing Day Hike
Burnt Lake Trail; a shady trail for summer with an optional cooling dip in a high mountain lake
For a beautiful, cool and shady hike on a hot summer's day, try Burnt Lake Trail. Coming in from the north, it is a moderate hike to its namesake lake (about 7 miles round trip).
The trail takes you through a lush, moss covered forest of Douglas fir, hemlock and western red cedar. At about 2.4 miles into the hike, you will see an unmarked trail leaving the main trail to the left. This will take you down to Lost Creek Falls.
You will also encounter huge, cedar snags burned during a turn of the century fire which gave Burnt Lake its name. Bunchberry, huckleberries (usually ripe in late August), and Devil's Club are just a few of the plants you will see.
You will find sub-alpine flowers in early summer if you take the extended hike to East Zigzag Mountain, a more difficult hike but with the reward of some incredible views of Mt. Hood, Mt Adams and Mount St. Helens on a clear day. July/August 2006
Directions to Burnt Lake Trail - North (#772)
- Going east on Highway 26, go approximately 1 mile to Lolo Pass Road (Road 18). Turn north (left).
- Continue 4 miles, bear right on Road 1825, across the bridge and then continue 1.7 miles to a junction.
- Bear right on 1825 and follow it for .3 miles until the pavement ends at Lost Creek Campground.
- Continue .4 mile, where you stay right on 1825-109 and soon cross Lost Creek itself.
- Follow the road 0.9 mile to its end at the trailhead.
Parking
The parking area is limited and a Northwest Forest Pass is required. Because of the heavy impact to the area, please adhere to the camping and day use regulations posted at the lake.
More Info
For more detailed information about directions, this hike and others, please visit the Mt. Hood Information Center, next to Mt. Hood Village RV Resort, about 3 miles west of the stoplight at Welches Road and US Highway 26. You may visit the USDA Forest Service site regarding the Burnt Lake Trail at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/recreation/trails/zz-rogs/772.pdf