This Portland General Electric 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. Please Note: Lake Harriet has limited access from Hwy 224. RVs are encouraged to take Hwy 26 while work on Forest Road (FR) 57 continues. The FR 57 detour has narrow spots. Check the Forest Service Fire Recovery Updates for more information.

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. Travel tip: Make sure to follow the things you "otter" do when visiting.

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 and outdoor recreation activities. It's a great spot for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboard, with great put-in access. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake but there are speed restrictions zones. Plus, Promontory Park along the reservoir has campsites, yomes to rent and a camp store.

Located in West Linn where the Tualatin River meets the Willamette River. Willamette Park is a scenic 15 acre park which offers river access and a boat ramp with a dock. Bonus: The park also features a splash pad for the kids!

Enjoy trails at Memorial Park in Wilsonville that follow the Willamette River, and Boeckman Creek which cuts through the 126-acre park with boat dock and river access. 

With its close proximity to Portland, recreation sites along the lower section of the Clackamas River are extremely popular when the weather turns hot. It is not uncommon to wait in traffic for hours to get into a park or for them to temporarily close access until capacity opens up. View how to float the Clackamas River for ideas on alternative floats, river mile distances between recreation sites, equipment rentals, links to park websites and a list of frequently asked question to help you plan a more enjoyable experience.