Kayaking against the wind is not for the weak. But it’s worth it when you get to do it in front of Oregon's gem, Mount Hood, surrounded by the buzzing sounds of blue dragonflies and laughter from others enjoying everything Mount Hood National Forest has to offer.
The location for these stunning views is Trillium Lake, a 65-acre man-made lake at 3,600 feet that offers a leisurely hike, picnic tables, camping and non-motorized water activities.
The initial view of the mountain from Trillium Lake is striking. Its snow-capped top and purple hue took my breath away, while simultaneously reminding me of a grape snow cone.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R24ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R44ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeThe dark green Douglas firs and cedar trees that surround Mount Hood made the perfect frame for pictures.
It’s also one of the best places to view Mount Hood, especially from the water.
Mount Hood is seen through trees at Trillium Lake on June 10 in Mount Hood National Forest.A day's adventure at Trillium Lake
On a sunny day, I went to kayak, photograph and hike around Trillium Lake. It makes for the perfect day trip because it's so accessible.
After paying the $10 entry fee for the recreation area, parking is plentiful on a weekday. Weekends tend to be busiest.
There are two parking areas. One near the dam, and the other slightly further along. Both are a short, close walk to the water.
Kayaking the clear, blue water at Trillium Lake
After parking near the dam, I immediately headed down to see the water.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeOn a calm day, Mount Hood would reflect off the water like a freshly Windexed mirror. On my trip, the water was broken by children chasing each other, friends canoeing and me getting a wobbly start on my kayak.
TBDFor those who want to enjoy the water but don’t own their own paddleboard or kayak, you can rent from Mt. Hood Outfitters, located by the dam.
“Try to steer clear of the rocks behind you,” Scott McKnight with Mt. Hood Outfitters told me.
"Obviously," I thought to myself.
"Bonk, bonk," was the sound as I hit the rocks behind me and suddenly forgot how to paddle with a kayak oar, my face red with embarrassment.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2mekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4mekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeOnce I got into the rhythm of the paddle, things were smooth sailing. I glided through the water with the fresh breeze in my face. I headed to the other end of the lake, just to inch closer to Mount Hood.
People in their watercrafts gathered on this side of the lake, too. Trillium Lake allows for non-motorized boats only. Some were fishing, others just floating along, feeling the sway of the water. Dogs with life jackets hung out from their owners' kayaks and paddleboards and people swam along the edges of the lake.
TBDMy favorite part was paddling to the middle of the lake and just letting the movement of the water guide me.
How to fish and hike at Trillium Lake
Aside from kayaking and paddleboarding, Trillium Lake also allows fishing, mainly for rainbow trout. If you're not fishing from a boat, on one edge of the lake is an ADA fishing platform.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2tekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4tekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeOn the outskirts of the lake, hikers can trek the 2-mile loop. The Trillium Lake Loop is an easy, flat trail that encompasses the whole lake.
The boardwalk on the Trillium Lake Loop. The trail offers a 2 mile hike.After I finished my kayak excursion, I took to the Trillium Lake Loop trail. It was the perfect way to end my day trip. I walked through towering trees, a meadow and a marshy area.
Along the marshy parts of the trail, boardwalks have been installed. At every point on the trail, I was experiencing a different part of the lake and more views of Mount Hood.
From muddy marsh to clear gem
Before the name Trillium Lake, it was known as Mud Lake. Before the installation of the dam, Trillium Lake would have resembled more of a muddy, marshy type of land. In 1951, the western film "Bend of the River" was filmed here.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R34ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R54ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe"There's a shot where they come here and camp at Trillium Lake, and you can totally see it's like a wetland and there are cattails and things like that," Mount Hood National Forest spokeswoman Heather Ibsen said.
The lake was dammed in 1960 by the Department of Fish and Wildlife for fishing and recreational use.
Mount Hood Outfitters rents paddleboards and kayaks
Mt. Hood Outfitters rent paddleboards and single and tandem kayaks.
Rental prices vary depending on the size of the kayak, hours of usage and day of the week. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are more expensive, compared to Monday-Friday. Prices range from $25-$350.
For more information, visit their website at mthoodoutfitters.com/rentals/trillium-lake-rentals/
TBDThings to know before you go to Trillium Lake
For those going to enjoy Mount Hood National Forest and all it has to offer this summer, be sure to check wildfire conditions. Stay up to date at fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/fire/info
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R3eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeThe fee for Trillium Lake Day Use is $10 and the only pass accepted is the $30 annual Northwest Forest Pass. Dogs must be on a leash on the Trillium area ski trails.
"I think doing a little bit of planning ahead and having expectations for the crowds really make a successful visit," Ibsen said.
How to get to Trillium Lake in Mount Hood National Forest
From Portland, travel east on U.S. Highway 26 for about 40 miles. Turn right 1 mile east of Government Camp on Forest Road 2656 (Trillium Lake Road). Continue 2 miles (past the campground turn-off) to the entrance of the day use picnic area or boat launch.
Coordinates 45.2707° N, 121.7390° W
Mariah Johnston is an outdoors journalism intern at the Statesman Journal. Reach her at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Kayak and paddleboard at Trillium Lake in Mount Hood National Forest
