This is a great family friendly hike that starts from Lost Lake Campground and Resort, and ascends up an ancient shield volcano. At the top, views extend to the east and north, with Mount Hood as the prominent landscape feature in view. The top is the site of an old fire lookout building, but only the foundations remain. The summit has ample space to sit and enjoy the views from atop large rocks and boulders.
You can start the hike from the campground, from the day use area, or from the Old Skyline Trailhead just before the campground entrance if you want to avoid the Lost Lake Resort day use fee. This GPS track shows the hike beginning from Loop C of the campground. The trail never feels too steep as it ascends up the peak, is well graded and includes a few switchbacks. Most of the trail is quite wide, sometimes gets rocky and rooty but otherwise very well marked and good tread. It is a good family friendly hike, although its moderate hike difficulty, as well as the steep cliffs on the east side of the summit is something to keep in mind. Although the summit area is quite wide and easy to avoid getting too close to the edge if you have younger kids along. If you time this hike in June, you will also be able to enjoy the beautiful pink Pacific Rhododendrons in bloom along the trail. There's also a few beargrass that may be in bloom in late June as well while the rhododendrons are in bloom, as it was for us.
You can start the hike from the campground, from the day use area, or from the Old Skyline Trailhead just before the campground entrance if you want to avoid the Lost Lake Resort day use fee. This GPS track shows the hike beginning from Loop C of the campground. The trail never feels too steep as it ascends up the peak, is well graded and includes a few switchbacks. Most of the trail is quite wide, sometimes gets rocky and rooty but otherwise very well marked and good tread. It is a good family friendly hike, although its moderate hike difficulty, as well as the steep cliffs on the east side of the summit is something to keep in mind. Although the summit area is quite wide and easy to avoid getting too close to the edge if you have younger kids along. If you time this hike in June, you will also be able to enjoy the beautiful pink Pacific Rhododendrons in bloom along the trail. There's also a few beargrass that may be in bloom in late June as well while the rhododendrons are in bloom, as it was for us.
