You could probably spend a lifetime exploring Oregon’s hiking trails, and still never see them all. The Beaver State has trails to suit everyone – from easy peasy nature trails like this one, to trails that will take you right past an ancient lava flow. Some hikes are easier than others, but sometimes it’s worth it to expend a little bit of energy to reach a truly spectacular destination. This crystal blue lake is worth the climb to get to it! Check out the Burnt Lake Trail:
The Mt. Hood National Forest is full of scenic beauty, and one of the best ways to explore it is on a hiking trail. The 7.5-mile Burnt Lake Trail has some steep climbs, but the beautiful azure lake makes the effort worthwhile.
David Lamb/Alltrails
You’ll find the trailhead near the little town of Zigzag.
Sean O’Rourke/Alltrails Take Lolo Pass Road for four miles, then turn onto Forest Service Road 1825. Cross the bridge, then stay right at the fork in the road for another .7 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 1825-109, and you’ll see the trailhead in one mile.
This beautiful trail starts out nice and easy, taking you on a journey through a lush, green forest.
Shayna Liberman/Alltrails
Watch for remnants of a forest fire that burned this area back in 1900 - there are still some old cedars standing here that were witness to that devastation more than 100 years ago.
Kris Korpenfelt/Alltrails
Burnt Lake Creek gurgles and bubbles alongside the trail, keeping you company for awhile. The trail makes a gradual climb, until…
Brandi Delfosse/Alltrails
…you reach Burnt Lake. Get your camera ready, because this one is a beauty.
David Lamb/Alltrails
On a calm, clear day Mount Hood is reflected in this stunning, crystal clear lake. You’ll want to stop and enjoy a picnic, or perhaps even stay overnight in one of the campsites around the lake.
Ken Tierny/Alltrails If you choose to camp, make sure to do so only in a designated site.
After you’ve gotten your fill of the scenic beauty here, continue on along the trail.
Laci DeLong/Alltrails
From here, the climb gets more serious. You’ll experience a total of 2,080 feet in elevation. The trail makes its way up the ridgeline, and you’ll turn onto the ZigZag Mountain Trail to descend into the meadow below.
Thimbleberry User/Alltrails
You won’t want to miss the views along the ridgeline, either!
Ken Tierney/Alltrails
Bring your pup along for the trip, and consider making this one an overnight adventure.
Kris Korpenfelt/Alltrails As always, practice Leave No Trace principles so that this scenic area remains beautiful for years to come.
Have you hiked the Burnt Lake Trail? Tell us about it in the comments!
David Lamb/Alltrails
Sean O’Rourke/Alltrails
Take Lolo Pass Road for four miles, then turn onto Forest Service Road 1825. Cross the bridge, then stay right at the fork in the road for another .7 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 1825-109, and you’ll see the trailhead in one mile.
Shayna Liberman/Alltrails
Kris Korpenfelt/Alltrails
Brandi Delfosse/Alltrails
Ken Tierny/Alltrails
If you choose to camp, make sure to do so only in a designated site.
Laci DeLong/Alltrails
Thimbleberry User/Alltrails
Ken Tierney/Alltrails
As always, practice Leave No Trace principles so that this scenic area remains beautiful for years to come.
To check current trail conditions, visit the U.S. Forest Service page for the Burnt Lake Trail.
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