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Burnt Lake

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Reaching Burnt Lake requires a 4-mile hike into Mt. Hood National Forest, and the trailhead road comes with a caveat: potholes are common, though sedan drivers have made it without issue. Parking fills up on busy days, so arriving early matters. A permit is required and must be displayed. Pets are welcome on the trail and at camp.

The lake sits at the center of the site layout. Numbered wooden posts mark the overnight sites, which are set back from the water, while lettered sites closer to shore are reserved for day use. Around eight sites are scattered around the lake's perimeter, spaced far enough apart that neighboring camps are rarely visible. In May, snowmelt can flood the back-side sites and raise the lake enough to cut off parts of the trail, so early-season visitors should check conditions before heading out. The trail itself crosses a shallow creek and a few small stream crossings, making waterproof boots worth packing.

Amanda J. calls it "a good, well-maintained trail for beginners," and the route is clearly defined with minimal obstacles. From the west side of the lake, the view opens toward Mt. Hood, particularly at sunset. A 2-mile side route climbs to the summit of East Zigzag Mountain for an elevated look at the same peak. Crowd levels vary, with at least one reviewer noting that trail traffic has grown heavier in recent years. Campers wanting a different setup in the same region might consider Cast Lake to the west, or browse pet-friendly campgrounds around Mt. Hood National Forest for other dog-friendly options.

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Map & DirectionsBurnt Lake is located in Oregon near Government Camp

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

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

45.35116281 N
121.80380055 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Pets

Contact

General Info

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Burnt Lake

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4.5

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5 Reviews

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 VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Burnt Lake by Amanda J., September 27, 2021
  • Heading back from Burnt Lake.
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Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Beautiful and Busy

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

Month of VisitJune
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 VisitMay
  • Review photo of Burnt Lake by trena E., August 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Burnt Lake by trena E., August 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Burnt Lake by trena E., August 9, 2018
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.

  • Review photo of Burnt Lake by Connor J., August 2, 2018
  • Review photo of Burnt Lake by Connor J., August 2, 2018
  • Review photo of Burnt Lake by Connor J., August 2, 2018
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 VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Burnt Lake by Sonja O., September 13, 2017
  • Review photo of Burnt Lake by Sonja O., September 13, 2017
  • Review photo of Burnt Lake by Sonja O., September 13, 2017
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Burnt Lake Campground?

Burnt Lake offers primitive backcountry camping with multiple numbered sites positioned around the lake. The sites are marked with wooden numbered posts. There are no developed facilities like running water, electricity, or bathrooms. This is a true wilderness experience requiring backpackers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Day-use areas are also available, marked with lettered posts rather than numbers, offering scenic lake views for those not staying overnight.

Do I need a permit or reservation to camp at Burnt Lake?

Camping at Burnt Lake requires a wilderness permit for overnight stays, which can typically be obtained at the trailhead or through the appropriate forest service office. No advance reservations are available for the individual sites, as they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak summer months, arriving early is recommended as the area can become crowded. Always check current permit requirements with the Mt. Hood National Forest before your trip.

Where is Burnt Lake Campground located in Oregon?

Burnt Lake is located in the Mt. Hood National Forest area of Oregon. It's a backcountry lake accessible via a hiking trail rather than a drive-in campground. The trailhead to reach Burnt Lake can get quite busy, especially during peak seasons. The lake sits in a scenic wilderness setting with views of Mt. Hood, making it a popular destination for backpackers exploring this region of Oregon.

What hiking trails and activities are available around Burnt Lake?

Burnt Lake offers excellent hiking opportunities in the Mt. Hood area. The main trail to the lake is well-maintained and suitable for beginners, making it an ideal introduction to backpacking. There are multiple hiking options in the surrounding area, with trails that connect to the broader Mt. Hood trail network. The lake itself allows for fishing and swimming during warmer months. The trail features one shallow creek and several small stream crossings, so waterproof boots are recommended. In winter and spring, portions of the trail may be covered in snow, occasionally causing flooding that can limit access to some campsites.

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