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Best lake hikes in Hood River County
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Best lake hikes in Hood River County

Want a hike where the views are as smooth as the water's surface? These lake-side paths will have you reflecting on nature's beauty.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Hood River County.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Pacific Crest Trail - Mount Adams To Mount Rainier

Hood River County, Oregon · star 4.8 (12) · 226.9 km · Est. 10 days

2

Difficult

Mount Defiance, Warren Lake and Starvation Ridge Trail

Hood River County, Oregon · star 4.4 (18) · 20.3 km · Est. 6 hrs 39 min

3

Medium

Badger Lake via Gumjuwac Trail

Hood River County, Oregon · star 4.1 (10) · 17.7 km · Est. 5 hrs 2 min

4

Extra difficult

Mount Defiance and Warren Lake via Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

Hood River County, Oregon · star 4.5 (27) · 18.5 km · Est. 6 hrs 51 min

5

Difficult

Rainy Lake via Wyeth Trail

Hood River County, Oregon · star 4.5 (13) · 24.0 km · Est. 7 hrs 20 min

6

Easy

Lost Lake Loop

Hood River County, Oregon · star 4.5 (20) · 5.0 km · Est. 1 hrs 3 min

7

Medium

Chinidere Mountain and Wahtum Lake Loop

Hood River County, Oregon · star 4.5 (13) · 6.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 49 min

8

Medium

Rainy Lake, Wahtum Lake and PCT

Hood River County, Oregon · star 4.5 (12) · 18.8 km · Est. 4 hrs 37 min

9

Medium

Tomlike Mountain and Wahtum Lake Loop

Hood River County, Oregon · star 4.3 (19) · 11.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 4 min

10

Medium

Rainy Lake, North Lake and Green Point Ridge Loop Trail

Hood River County, Oregon · star 4.4 (14) · 11.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 55 min

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Reviews for lake hikes in Hood River County

Pearl Wilson avatar

Pacific Crest Trail - Mount Adams To Mount Rainier

Pearl Wilson · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Clarence Conroy avatar

Mount Defiance, Warren Lake and Starvation Ridge Trail

GlacierScrambler85 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Sen. Earle Stark avatar

Badger Lake via Gumjuwac Trail

HorizonRavinewalker87 · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

Isis Altenwerth avatar

Mount Defiance and Warren Lake via Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

BirchBasecamper60 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Leif Hermiston avatar

Rainy Lake via Wyeth Trail

JourneyTrekker39 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Hood River County

What is the climate like for hiking in Oregon?

Oregon's climate varies by region and season. The coastal areas are mild and wet in winter, offering beautiful, foggy hikes. Inland, winters can be cold with heavy snowfall in the mountains, ideal for snowshoeing. Summers are generally warm and dry, perfect for hiking in forests and along rivers. Visit the Oregon Metro site for local weather updates.

Do I need a permit to hike in Oregon?

Permits for backcountry hiking or overnight stays in Oregon's wilderness areas can be obtained from the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. Contact them or visit the Recreation.gov website to secure permits ahead of your hike.

Is wild camping allowed in Oregon?

Wild camping in Oregon is generally permissible on Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands, away from developed campgrounds. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and check local regulations on the BLM or USFS websites before setting out.

Are there mountain rescue services in Oregon?

For mountain rescue in Oregon, hikers should call 911 in an emergency. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management coordinates with various organizations like Mountain Wave Emergency Communications. Always leave your hiking plan with someone. Visit Mountain Wave's website for further information.

Are there dangerous plants in Oregon?

Oregon's diverse landscape offers a range of flora. Coastal areas flourish with Sitka spruces and salal, while the Cascade Range features Douglas firs and Western Hemlocks. Eastern Oregon's high desert is rich with sagebrush. Check out Oregon Flora Project for more detailed information.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Oregon?

From the dense forests to the high desert, Oregon's fauna is abundant. Watch for elk, deer, and black bears in woodland areas. Insects such as mosquitoes can be persistent, especially near water. Learn more about local wildlife from https://a-z-animals.com/animals/location/north-america/united-states/oregon/ and https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/IPPM/InsectsSpiders/Pages/IdentifyInsect.aspx

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