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Established Camping

Burnt Lake

5 Reviews

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About

USDA Forest Service

This trail enters the Mt. Hood Wilderness on the west side of Mount Hood. This trail accesses Burnt Lake and Zigzag Mountain with views above treeline. The north side also has wonderful old cedar snags showing remnants of a wildfire that came through around 1900.

Starting from the north Burnt Lake trailhead, this trail begins at Forest Road 1825-109 (2,680’) and ends at Forest Road 2627-207 (3,320’). From Forest Road 1825-109, the trail climbs steadily up to Burnt Lake (4,120’). There is a nice loop trail around the lake accessing several campsites. From the lake the trail continues up a steep climb 0.6 mile and reaches Zigzag Ridge (4,720’). Soon after, the trail reaches Zigzag Mountain Trail #775. Turn right onto Zigzag Mountain Trail #775 and follow the ridge westward 0.3 miles until Burnt Lake Trail #772 drops over the south side of the ridge descending to Devil’s Meadow area. From Devil’s Meadow the trail follows an easier grade down an old roadway to West Zigzag trailhead at Forest Road 2627-207.

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Location

Burnt Lake is located in Oregon

Directions

North Burnt Lake trailhead: From Portland, OR - follow U.S. Hwy 26 17.5 miles east of Sandy to Zigzag. At Zigzag, approximately 0.4 mile past milepost 42, turn left (north) on Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18). After 4 miles, turn east at Forest Road 1825 and continue 0.6 miles. Turn right across a bridge and continue another 1.1 miles to a fork in the road. Stay right at the fork and continue a 0.7 mile past Lost Creek Campground to Forest Road 1825-109. Turn right onto Forest Road 1825-109 and travel 1 mile to the trailhead at the end of the road. (A Recreation Pass is required at North Burnt Lake trailhead) South access to Burnt Lake Trail is from West Zigzag trailhead. From Portland, follow US Hwy 26 for 20.2 miles east of Sandy and turn left (north), approximately 250 feet before milepost 46, at Zigzag Mountain Road (Forest Road 2627) . Follow this road for 4.3 miles to its end (the road eventually becomes Forest Road 2627-207). The trail begins 100 yards before the end of the road on the left (west) side of the road.

Coordinates

45.351162 N
121.8038 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

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General Info

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Amanda J.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2021

Great For Beginners

My group and I had a great overnight backpacking trip here last weekend! A good, well-maintained trail for beginners. It is clearly defined and not overly challenging, with only one blowdown. There is one shallow creek and a few small stream crossings, so make sure to wear waterproof boots or at least pack a pair of extra socks if it’s cold out.

Once the trail meets the lake, there is a sign with a map that details which spots are for day use and campsites. Campsites are located further from the water, day use closer. There were about four other camps set up when we went.

My group and I would’ve loved to swim if it was still warm enough! The lake was relatively quiet compared to others I’ve visited, which was nice. I highly recommend finding a place to sit on the west side of the lake for sunset, as it gives you a view of Mt. Hood while the sun illuminates it. So gorgeous!

The road to the trailhead has potholes, but we made it there just fine in a sedan. Parking can get tight, so plan to arrive early, and don’t forget to display your permit.

Month of VisitOctober

Naomi E.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Beautiful and Busy

The prior reviews are incorrect. This is a heavily trafficked trail, parking is a zoo.

Month of VisitJuly

trena E.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2018

great beginner backpacking spot!

4 in our group, two of us were first time backpackers. This was a great intro to backpacking.

We went in May, so there was still snow, and the lake was so full it had flooded part of the trail, making the backside campsites inaccessible. Luckily we got a site near the entrance trail to the lake.

There is so much hiking and beauty in this area. We hiked to the top of ZigZag, and it was breathtaking.

Month of VisitJune

Connor J.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 2, 2018

Secluded, scenic, hikeable

There are multiple numbered sites around the lake. Once the trailhead pops you onto the water, you can either go east or west around the lake. Spots are marked with wooden numbered posts. Spots with letters are day sites with views.

Sonja O.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 13, 2017

Amazing backpack trip!

I highly recommend this backpacking campsite to anyone who has explored around the Mt. Hood area. This is a hidden gem that I had never been to! There are plenty of hikes around this area and a handful of campsites that you can stay at if you aren't wanting to do a backpacking trip. This seriously is a hidden area that does not get very populated even during the summer months.

This campsite has about 8 different sites scattered around the lake. Take a walk around the lake first to find which one suites your needs and preferences. They all are great for families, groups, or just a single tent. All are relatively close to water and spaced out well enough you don't see or hear others around the lake.

It is 4 miles from the start of the trailhead to Burnt Lake where the campsites are located. If you put down your stuff at your site, you can do another 2 mile hike up the summit of East Zigzag Mt. and see a beautiful view of Mt. Hood.

Month of VisitOctober