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Hidden Lake Trail leads to a small, scenic pond in the Mt. Hood Wilderness and continues to the PCT.


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Map Key

4.3

Miles

7.0

KM

71%

Runnable

5,714' 1,742 m

High

3,086' 941 m

Low

2,646' 807 m

Up

18' 6 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · Wildflowers

This trail is usually closed by snow from about mid-November to late May or early June. A Northwest Forest Pass or other valid pass is required to park at the trailhead.

Description

The Hidden Lake Trail is a relatively steep run leading into the south side of the Mt. Hood Wilderness that connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. Runners may travel the two miles to Hidden Lake, although it is more of a pond size. Those wanting to continue to the PCT, will climb another 2,000 feet in the next 2.3 miles which will get your heart rate up. The Hidden Lake Trail has limited views until it gets near the Pacific Crest Trail at is terminus.

You can come back the same way for an 8.6-mile round trip, or some folks make a longer loop going up Hidden Lake, northwest on the PCT, and returning on the Paradise Park Trail. Both Hidden Lake and Paradise Park trailheads are along the Kiwanis Camp Road (aka Forest Road 39) about 3/4 mile apart.

Mosquitoes around the shallow lake can be thick in spring and early summer.

Flora & Fauna

Second growth Douglas fir and western hemlock make for a shady forested run most of the way on this trail. Bear grass and rhododendron bloom in June in the openings and all around the lake, making it a scenic early summer run. We saw bats and dragonflys around the lake. Near the top of the Hidden Lake Trail, you get into mountain hemlock, noble and silver fir, and some western white pine as well as more wildflowers including paintbrush and penstemon.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kathleen Walker

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 3 votes

#23705

Overall
  3.7 from 3 votes
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Trail Rankings

#746

in Oregon

#23,705

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1,495 Since Oct 8, 2016
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Photos

The Hidden Lake trail in mostly second grown forest.  Photo by Guy E. Meacham.
Oct 10, 2016 near Governm…, OR
Hidden Lake Trail enters the south side of the Mt. Hood Wilderness.  Photo by wanderingyunks.
Oct 10, 2016 near Governm…, OR
The Hidden Lake Trail intersection with the PCT. You can loop back down on Paradise Park Trail.  Photo by Wanderingyunks.
Oct 10, 2016 near Governm…, OR
Beargrass blooms in June on the Hidden Lake Trail.  Photo by Gene Blick
Oct 10, 2016 near Governm…, OR
The Hidden Lake Trailhead requires a valid parking pass.  Photo by Wanderingyunks.
Oct 10, 2016 near Governm…, OR

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