Lost Lake

South Cascades > Goat Rocks

46.6017, -121.5112 Map & Directions

Length: 16.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet
Highest Point: 5,200 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty: Hard

A serene campsite on the shores of Lost Lake. Photo by Britt Lê. Full-size image

Dogs allowed on leash
Established campsites
Lakes

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

Permits Required

Wilderness permit. Self-issue at trailhead (no fee)

Saved to My Backpack

Accessible from both Packwood Lake and the Clear Fork trailhead, Lost Lake is a medium-sized, scenic little mountain lake ringed with trees and nestled in a small bowl below the former Lost Lake lookout site, a good spot for overnighting or taking a long day hike. Continue reading

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34 trip reports for this trail

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Hiking Lost Lake

The Packwood Lake trailhead offers a much more moderated approach, though it's still a long hike into this little oasis. Maybe the difficulty in accessing this lake contributes a bit to its name.

From the Clear Fork trailhead, it's a challenging hike, with a climb up and over the 6000+ foot ridge that used to house Lost Lake lookout site. It makes for gorgeous views, but because much of the way is north-facing, slopes here can hold snow late into the summer. This route will clock in closer to 18 miles roundtrip with 3,600 feet in elevation gain.

Hike Description Written by
Multiple authors contributed to this report, WTA Community

Lost Lake

Map & Directions

Trailhead

Co-ordinates: 46.6017, -121.5112 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

Permits Required

Wilderness permit. Self-issue at trailhead (no fee)

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

Packwood Lake approach: From I-5, north of Castle Rock, drive US-12 east 66.5 miles to Packwood; at the east end of town, turn right onto FR-1260 and drive 6 miles to the trailhead.

Clear Fork approach: From Packwood, drive east on Highway 12 for six miles, and turn right onto Forest Road 46. Follow FR 46 for 0.6 miles, then take a left to stay on Forest Road 46 and follow it for another 7.5 miles to the trailhead.