Sunrise over Mt Hood with the mountain's reflection casting itself across the deserted still waters of Trillium late
06/06/2022 | Summer

Favorite Laid Back Lakes In Mt. Hood Territory


Please Note: Harriet and Timothy Lakes are only accessible from HWY 26 as HWY 224 is closed past Ripplebrook as wildfire recovery efforts continue. See our Clackamas River Page for more updates on the Clackamas River corridor. 

Adventuring near the water is beloved in Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory. Hanging out at the lake, making memories with friends and family and enjoying the views is a dream. But which lake is best for you? It just so happens that Mt. Hood Territory has more than a few to choose from.


Timothy Lake, Mt Hood

Timothy Lake:

Perhaps not as well known as its manmade cousin Trillium, Timothy Lake is still a beautiful spot that offers stellar views of nearby Mt. Hood. It's a little further out than some others, but it's worth the extra travel time, as it offers great fishing, sailing and kayaking options. It's also one of the few lakes that allows motorized boating. Plus, there's a scenic 16 mile bike trail around the lake that makes for a nice, scenic ride. After a full day of biking and fishing, rest up at one of the several campgrounds that ring the lake.


Fishing on North Fork Reservoir at Promontory Point


North Fork Reservoir:

Located along the Clackamas River just east of Estacada, the North Fork Reservoir is part of a power generation system owned by Portland General Electric (PGE). Sure that comes in handy, but we like it more for its excellent fishing, as it's known for schools of rainbow trout that are quite accommodating with their willingness to grab your lure. It's a great spot to take the kids for that milestone moment of catching their first fish. Late summer/early fall is the best season for fishing. Make sure your licenses are up to date, and your fishing line is fresh. You're going to need it. Plus, Promontory Park along the reservoir has yomes to rent and a camp store.





Burnt Lake:

The 6.6 mile, out and back hike to Burnt Lake is well worth your while. Along the way you'll experience an enchanting forest, which provides plenty of shade from the heat. You will be rewarded with beautiful views of a crisp alpine lake and, if you're lucky, a stunning view of Mt. Hood. You may even want to add a loop around the lake to your hike, which is less than one mile. We suggest packing a picnic to enjoy while there. Don't be intimidated by the unpaved road; even a low-to-the-ground sedan can make it. 


Lake Harriett Day Use Area

Lake Harriet:

This PGE lake has been called "the best kept secret on Mt. Hood." Located near Timothy Lake, it's regularly stocked with rainbow trout and also has a nice population of cutthroat and brown trout. It's open year-round for day use with a $5 fee.


Woman paddleboarding near a waterfall on Estacada Lake Clackamas River

Estacada Lake

This beautiful little gem is a reservoir along the Clackamas River accessed from Milo McIver State Park on its northwestern section, while Estacada sits on its eastern shores. Estacada Lake is popular with anglers, as it's regularly stocked with trout. It's also a great lake for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Its calm waters and scenic views make for a peaceful outing. 

TRIP IDEAS
Top Reasons To Camp Midweek
Getting outside is so therapeutic for the soul and being able to stay out where you are adventuring overnight is convenient. There is nothing quite like sleeping under the stars, waking up to birds ch...
Read More
Mt. Hood Adventure Park At Skibowl Open For The Summer
Bringing the kids? From the kiddy carousel, to pony rides to kiddy karts and the kids play zone, you can fill the whole day with kid-themed fun so they are ready to rest by the time you are ready for...
Read More
Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl with Mt. Hood in the background and child smiling while on bungy trampoline in Mt. Hood Territory.
Favorite Laid Back Lakes In Mt. Hood Territory
Adventuring near the water is beloved in Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory. Hanging out at the lake, making memories with friends and family and enjoying the views is a dream. But which lake is best for you...
Read More
Circular photo, 90% which is Mt. Hood and the Mt. Hood National Forest looming over a sliver of Trillium Lake's blue waters.
Best Ways To Get Out On The Water: River Tubing Shuttles, Paddle + Pints and More
This summer has been a bit toasty to say the least. The hot weather has us thinking about hitting the water (in stylish lifejackets, of course!), so we checked in with some of our favorite guides and...
Read More
Colorful Flowers To See This Summer
As the sun comes out, it beckons the flower buds to awaken from their slumber across Mt. Hood Territory. It's a beautiful sight to see when spring turns to summer and, over the course of those months,...
Read More
Pink dahlia with a honey bee perched on its yellow center at Swan Island Dahlias in Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory..
Vacation Rentals Offer Home Away From Home
Vacation Rentals offer a great opportunity for travelers heading to Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory. They're perfect for intimate getaways, relaxation and winding down, and large groups of friends or fami...
Read More
Two-story red log cabin with wraparound porch, one of hundreds of vacation rentals in Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory.

sustainability messaging

Request a Travel Planner
ORDER TRAVEL PLANNER
Explore all that The Territory has to offer delivered right to your door, or if you want, you can view it ONLINE today.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Want to know what is happening year round? Sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter.
FOLLOW US ON YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA
STAY CONNECTED
ABOUT CLACKAMAS COUNTY TOURISM
Developed by Drozian Webworks | ©2023 Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory
Terms | Privacy | Contact Clackamas County Tourism