Experience the historic lakeside retreat where the classic reflection of Wy'east, Mount Hood, shimmers across quiet, motor-free waters.
Lost Lake Resort, operating under a U.S. Forest Service special use permit on the shores of its namesake 245-acre water body, has welcomed travelers to the northern slopes of Wy'east, Mount Hood, since 1921. Located roughly 25 miles southwest of Hood River, this historic retreat occupies the ancestral homelands of the Wasco, Warm Springs, and Paiute peoples. In 2012, owners Jason Taylor and Derek DeBorde purchased the property, initiating a comprehensive revitalization of the historic grounds. This extensive renovation introduced the Lost Lake Grille, modernized the shower and laundry facilities, and added a new boat house, all while preserving the rustic, off-grid atmosphere that has drawn families for over a century. Operating seasonally from May through October, the resort remains a dedicated sanctuary free of cell service and public Wi-Fi, allowing guests to unplug completely under a canopy of ancient Douglas fir and western hemlock.
Lodging at the resort ranges from historic lodge rooms to rustic cabins and lakeside campsites. Perched above the bustling General Store are six cozy lodge rooms, each outfitted with a kitchenette containing a double cooktop, microwave, and small refrigerator. Two of these rooms provide direct views of the lake, while the others face the surrounding old-growth timber. Along the shoreline, seven rustic cabins provide more secluded shelter. Most of these wooden cabins are equipped with electricity, cook stoves, and wood-burning stoves, though they share a central pit toilet and a nearby shower house. The A-Frame cabin stands out as a unique rustic experience: it sleeps five, has a private wooden deck, lacks electricity, but is the only cabin on the property with its own shower. For those seeking a blend of canvas and wood, the resort offers classic and glamping yurts, alongside 148 individual campsites that accommodate tents and recreational vehicles without hookups.
The heart of daily life at the resort revolves around the General Store and the adjacent rental dock. The store is meticulously stocked with camping essentials, fishing tackle, local beer, and wine, serving as the central hub where guests register and coordinate activities. At the dock, visitors can rent clear-bottom boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and classic wooden rowboats to explore the motor-free waters of the lake, which is stocked with rainbow and German brown trout. On land, the resort is bordered by a network of scenic pathways, including the accessible three-mile Lakeshore Trail that circumnavigates the water and offers shifting perspectives of the mountain's glaciated north face. An old-growth boardwalk meanders through one of Oregon's largest remaining stands of ancient forest, providing an interpretive look at the local ecosystem, while more strenuous trails like the hike up Lost Lake Butte or the nearby Huckleberry Mountain Trail challenge those looking to climb higher.
Rise before dawn and walk the Lakeshore Trail east from the General Store to find the classic viewpoint near the day-use area. The water is glassy and still in the first hour of light, offering a perfect mirror image of Wy'east before the afternoon breeze ripples the lake.
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