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Olallie Lake Resort

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Fishing, hiking, and lake access drive most visits to Olallie Lake Resort, a drive-in and walk-in campground set in forested terrain along the shore of a high-mountain lake in the Mount Hood National Forest near campgrounds around Idanha. Olallie Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and brood trout, and the resort rents rowboats for trolling. Motor boats are not permitted on the lake.

The road in deserves serious attention before you go. The final stretch involves roughly ten miles of rough gravel, with potholes and narrow sections that have stopped low-clearance vehicles in their tracks. Multiple reviewers warn against attempting the dirt road without a high-clearance vehicle, and one notes a 12-minute drive stretched to an hour navigating obstacles. Cell service is limited or absent. The on-site general store is cash only, so arriving self-sufficient matters. Vault toilets are available on site.

Sites are first-come, first-served, large, and reported as clean. No swimming is allowed in Olallie Lake itself, but Head Lake, a short walk from the store, has a dock and rocks for sitting and is open for swimming. Dogs are allowed on leash. The Olallie Lake Guard Station Cabin nearby offers a Forest Service-managed alternative with different pet policies and amenities. Paul Dennis Campground is another option within the same area. Anglers, hikers with an eye on the PCT, and campers who can handle a rough approach will find this location fits their needs.

Description

Olallie Lake Resort originated in 1932. It is a remote high mountain rustic resort located in the Mt. Hood National Forest with an amazing view of Mt. Jefferson. Today, the resort still feels like the 1930?s with a small general store, wooden rowboats to rent and 10 cabins that have wood burning stoves, kerosene lanterns, outside water spigots and no cell phone or internet service. It is a place to relax and enjoy the magical surroundings of the Olallie Lake Scenic Area. We are open seasonally from June to October, depending on snowmelt.

Olallie Lake is stocked with rainbow trout yearly by the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Since the resort was established, Olallie Lake has been a no swimming, no motorized boats kind of lake. It is a favorite fishing spot for generations of families and new comers each summer. Within the Olallie Lake Scenic Area, we have 46 other lakes that are wonderful for swimming. Head Lake, located across the road from the resort, is where many cabin guests and campers like to swim.

In addition to fishing and swimming, many people visit the area to hike and camp. The Pacific Crest Trail is located within 1/10th of a mile from the resort and provides miles of beautiful hiking. There are also many other trails that range from easy to difficult. For camping, we have 7 forest service campgrounds in the area, three of which are located on Olallie Lake. All the campsites are primitive ? no running water, only pit toilets. Campsites rent on a first come first serve basis; no reservation needed.

Please be mindful of the remote location ? no gas, no internet, no electricity, no ATM and no cell phone coverage. Olallie Lake Scenic Area is just a beautiful, peaceful place to visit.

We look forward to having you visit this summer!

Olallie Lake Resort has 10 cabins available, each with a view of the lake. There are three small cabins, two medium and five large available.

We have two yurts - currently located in the Paul Dennis Campground. Each yurt has two bedrooms and a front livingroom/kitchen area. For sleeping, there are two queen size beds and one futon. Campfires are allowed in the yurt area. The yurts have a propane heater, propane lights and a stove top with two burners.

The cabins are very rustic in nature, no electricity or indoor plumbing. Outside of each cabin is a water spigot with usable water. There are outhouses located throughout the cabin area.

Outdoor fires are not allowed in the cabin area except at the cabin campfire area above cabins 1-4. Each cabin has a wood stove inside, and wood is provided for the inside stove only.

Please see the attached pages for more detailed descriptions, photos and pricing.

Also check out the Resort Map page for specific cabin locations.

We look forward to helping you enjoy the amazing beauty and peacefulness of Olallie Lake Resort and surrounding area.

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Map & DirectionsOlallie Lake Resort is located in Oregon near Idanha

Private Campground

Address

Mt. Hood National Forest 4 NF-4220
OR

Coordinates

44.81392813023781 N
121.78893154386533 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

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Yurts

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General Info

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Drive Time

2 hrs 8 min from Salem, OR
2 hrs 19 min from Albany, OR
2 hrs 39 min from Bend, OR
2 hrs 43 min from Portland, OR

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Olallie Lake Resort

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5 Stars

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the clean, spacious sites and beautiful mountain lake setting. Visitors often highlighted amenities like the store and boat rentals, though road access requires sturdy vehicles and the store is cash only.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Marcus M.

Scout

Reviewed Jan. 15, 2021

Correction

There are a couple differences between the Olallie Lake Resort and its facilities vs The Olallie Lake Guard Station Cabin. Although near to each other on the lake, and both managed by the resort staff, the Guard Station Cabin is owed by the Forest Service. They do not allow pets in the cabin or in your car when you rent it.

The resort rents a number of rustic cabins themselves, along with two yurts, and operates a number of nearby campgrounds, the store, and the boat rentals.

The Guard Station Cabin must be rented from Recreation.gov , and has much less basic facilities, kitchen with hot & cold running water. Propane powered stove/oven, refrigerator , and built in lights. Pit toilet nearby,

I believe the other reviews refer to the resort's cabins.

Brandon G.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2020

Peaceful getaway

This is a great location to get away from the modern world and enjoy the outdoors. Lots of great hiking trails and views are amazing. Definitely bring your bug spray and don’t try to drive those gravel roads in a small car (I drove up with a scion TC and a 12 minute drive took an hour having to avoid pot holes and everything) I loved the location and the accommodations are great. They have a little shop nearby but it’s cash only if you really need something so pack what you need. And bring a lantern

(5) View All

Dan J.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 11, 2019

Olallie Lake Rustic Resort Cabin Rental

The Olallie Lake Rustic Resort is a wonderful place to get away from it all and relax in nature on the shore of a lovely high-mountain lake.

Here are a few points of interest:

Fishing: Olallie Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and brood trout. They rent row boats for trolling. Motor boats are not allowed (which is nice).
Hiking: There are several miles local trails to hike on. There's a four mile hike around Olallie Lake, the Redlake Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that can take you all the way to Mexico or Canada.
Swimming: No swimming is allowed in Olallie Lake. Head Lake is nearby (within 5 minutes of the store) and has a dock, large rocks to sit on and is a wonderful swimming lake. There are also over 25 lakes in the scenic area to hike to and swim in.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed! Yay! But they must be kept on leash per Forest Service regulations.
Getting there: The last ten miles, or so, of the road are pretty rough. Most reasonable cares should be able to make it but I'd suggest a 4x4.

There are cabin and yurt rentals and a little general store which has food and adult beverages. Like most resort stores it's a little pricey.

The cabins are comfortable and have wood stoves (firewood is included).

SiteCabin #9 (medium sized cabin)

Month of VisitOctober

Kelly N.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Beautiful for a day trip or camping

This campground is first come, first serve and has limited cell access. Clean, large sites. Vault toilets available. Swimming in designated areas only. When driving in... do not take the dirt road unless you have an off-road vehicle. There are limited turn around areas in the thin, rocky road and our car could not make it! (Whoops-haha!) I recommend following the arrows on the concrete as they were out there for your safety. This gorgeous area is on the list to be restricted in the future, so plan to visit sooner than later!

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities does Olallie Lake Resort offer?

Olallie Lake Resort offers a rustic getaway with several amenities. The resort features fishing opportunities in a stocked lake with rainbow trout and brood trout. Rowboat rentals are available for trolling. The campground provides clean, spacious sites with vault toilets available for campers. Swimming is permitted, but only in designated areas. The resort has limited cell phone access, making it ideal for those looking to disconnect. Hiking trails are accessible around the property, offering stunning mountain views of the surrounding landscape.

Can you rent the guard station cabin at Olallie Lake?

Yes, the Olallie Lake Guard Station Cabin is available for rent. While it's located near the resort and managed by resort staff, it's important to note that the cabin is owned by the Forest Service. The cabin has a strict no-pets policy. This accommodation is distinct from the regular Olallie Lake Resort facilities, offering a unique lodging option on the lake. For reservation details and current availability, contacting the resort directly is recommended.

What do visitors say about their experiences at Olallie Lake Resort?

Visitors describe Olallie Lake Resort as a wonderful place to disconnect from modern life and enjoy nature. The high-mountain lake setting receives high praise for its beauty and tranquility. Many appreciate the clean, large campsites and the excellent fishing opportunities. Hiking trails around the resort offer amazing views that campers consistently highlight. Visitors do mention the need for bug spray and caution about the rough access roads, which are challenging for small vehicles. Overall, it's portrayed as an ideal destination for those seeking a genuine rustic outdoor experience away from everyday distractions.

How much does it cost to stay at Olallie Lake Resort?

Olallie Lake Resort operates on a first-come, first-served basis for campsites. Specific pricing information isn't detailed, but the resort does offer various accommodation options including regular campsites and boat rentals that would have associated fees. For current pricing, it's best to contact the Olallie Lake Rustic Resort directly before your visit, as rates may vary by season and accommodation type.

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