Lakes near Mt. Hood, Oregon
If you’re looking for the best kayaking spots near Oregon’s tallest mountain, Mt. Hood, there are plenty of stunning lakes in the area to explore by boat. From hidden gems and more well-known spots like Lost Lake, there’s something for everyone on this list. And the best part is that they're all within a reasonable drive from Mt. Hood National Forest.
Five beautiful lakes near Mt. Hood, Oregon include: Lost Lake, Laurance Lake, Trillium Lake, Wahtum Lake, and Warren Lake.
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Lost Lake
Contrary to its name, this lake is well-known among locals due to its many nearby trails and easy accessibility from the nearest towns.You can uncover this serene lake within the Mt. Hood National Forest.
Lost Lake itself is massive and spans 245 acres of area.
It's great for kayaking due to its usually-calm waters and nearby campsites, making it one of the most popular lakes in the area, and the convenience of a kayak rental business on-water.
If you bring your own kayak, know that Mt. Hood area lakes can experience windy conditions and some moderate waves, so a spray skirt kayak accessory can improve your kayaking conditions, safety, and experience.
Tips for Visiting Lost Lake
Whether you’re planning a day trip to Lost Lake or want to camp out for the weekend, there’s no shortage of exciting outdoor activities to experience, especially during the warmer summer months.
Surrounding the lake, you’ll find plenty of scenic outlooks, picnic areas, and campsites. This is also an excellent location for kayaking, swimming, or just chilling out in an inner tube. Like all of the lakes near Mt. Hood, Oregon, Lost Lake is at its most active during the summertime.
Something to keep in mind as you’re planning your paddling trip: It can get windy on lakes, so it’s good to have a spray skirt or bilge pump with sit-in kayaks or consider taking a sit-on-top kayak that’s better for water conditions that don’t classify as “mirror flat.”
Laurance Lake
If you’re looking for a scenic area to soak in some breathtaking views of nearby Mt. Hood and its surrounding peaks, Laurance Lake is an ideal water destination in Oregon to visit. This lake is nestled within the Mt. Hood National Forest, about 40 minutes away from Hood River, and is known throughout the state and beyond for its exceptional fly-fishing opportunities.
Tips for Visiting Laurance Lake
There’s nothing quite as beautiful as the glisten of the summer sunshine on the surface of Laurance Lake. The crystal clear waters make it great for kayaking, but there are plenty of other outdoor opportunities near the lake, such as lakefront camping, fishing, paddle boarding, and more. So, get out on the water and explore what the beautiful location has to offer.
Remember, as with the other lakes around Mt. Hood, they are usually frozen over and covered with snow in the winter season, so be mindful of weather conditions when you’re planning your ideal trip.
Trillium Lake
This highly-popular lake offers a beautiful full view of Mt. Hood on a clear sky day, excellent fishing opportunities, a small beach, and a breathtaking flat water kayaking or SUP experience. This is certainly a bucket list lake for anyone visiting Portland, Oregon, as it’s an easy 1-1.5 hour drive away from the hot spot city.
In the peak summer months, Trillium’s parking lot fills up (we know from experience), so be sure to arrive early if you’re looking to find parking within an easy walk to the water.
You can learn more about kayaking on this lake near Mt. Hood, and see photos and videos of our experience, in one of our recent articles on an origami folding kayak experience on Trillium Lake.
If you’ve got great hiking boots or snowshoes, we’ve also done the hike during the height of winter from the parking lot to frozen Trillium Lake.
To give you an idea of how much snowfall this area can get, the packed snow reached the top of a stop sign! Be aware of the weather conditions before planning your trip.
Wahtum Lake
For an unforgettable outdoor adventure, look no further than Wahtum Lake. Carved into a deep valley, Wahtum Lake offers an exciting advanced kayaking experience for those who are more experienced, but we can’t vouch for the paddling conditions from personal experience. Along the shoreline, you’ll find plenty of hiking opportunities to explore. Wahtum Lake is located directly east of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness.
Tips for Visiting Wahtum Lake
The campground near Wahtum Lake is relatively primitive, and you will not be able to fill up on potable water or other necessities. For that reason, it’s crucial to pack all of the essentials with you, whether you’re just visiting for the day or embarking on an overnight trip. This area is open to the public from June to October each year.
Warren Lake
Nestled in the heart of Mt. Hood’s wilderness, you’ll uncover the clear turquoise waters of Warren Lake. This lake is located within the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness area, and there are plenty of trailheads leading up to it (don’t forget your trail map). Rumor has it that this is the most beautiful lake in Oregon, but you don’t have to take our word for it.
Tips for visiting Warren Lake
There are plenty of opportunities here for outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, camping, and more. The best part is that this lake is easy to access, so get out on the water and explore what this gorgeous lake offers.
Best time of year for kayaking on lakes near Mt. Hood, Oregon
No matter which of these incredible lakes you choose, summertime is definitely your best bet for the best kayaking experience.
The warm weather means that there's less chance of snow cover, making it easier to access the lakes and providing you with more time to enjoy them.
Plus, the longer days will give you plenty of time to explore what each lake has to offer before heading back home. So, grab your kayak and head out on an incredible journey around Mt. Hood - you won't regret it.
Summary
Needless to say, kayaking is a fantastic way to explore these five incredible lakes near Mt. Hood in Oregon. When planning your trip, consider which lake provides the experience you’re most closely looking for. Do you want easier parking and need to rent a kayak? Lost Lake might be the right choice for you. Want that epic Pacific Northwest paddling experience with a mountain view? Plan to hit the road early and secure a parking spot at the popular and beloved Trillium Lake.
And if you’re looking to plan a vacation resort or cabin rental on a lake in Oregon, check out our round-up of more lake options for your kayaking trip this summer.
The summertime is definitely the best season for visiting these lakes near Mt. Hood due for thawed-out lakes, warmer weather and waters, and longer days that make exploring easier than ever.
Discover more great articles from Flatwater Kayak Club, your free online destination for recreational kayaking in the Pacific Northwest:
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Lakes in Oregon with vacation rental cabins and resorts
5 top local paddle shops to rent a kayak within 1 hour of Portland, Oregon
All our posts on convenient and lightweight folding kayaks
Learn more about flat water kayaking in Oregon
Flatwater Kayak Club has you covered. Our free online resources offer all the information you need to start planning an epic kayaking trip throughout the state of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
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If you want to learn more about the local wildlife, head to our post on 20 breathtaking wildlife species you can see while kayaking through the Pacific Northwest.
Or maybe you want to uncover a new location altogether. In that case, explore kayaking in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, located just north of Portland, Oregon.
Ready to head to Central Oregon? Plan an epic trip to Paulina Lake to kayak, hike through obsidian and to natural Oregonian hot springs, and more.