Menu
A Cloudy Hike to Burnt Lake
By Kelsey Samsel | Hiking
If you are looking for a quiet, stunning location to camp or hike, Burnt Lake is for you. It was cloudy the day we went so the mountain wasn’t visible, but it was cool to see fog swirling around on the water.
Pack a picnic lunch, grab a $5 Forest Day Pass from Whispering Woods Resort and drive about 20 minutes to the very end of Lolo Pass Road to get to the trailhead.
The hike is moderate in difficulty and about 7 miles there and back. I would suggest wearing sturdy shoes and bringing a picnic lunch to eat once you get to the lake. If you are looking for more of a challenge, it’s a perfect day-hike or one-night camping location.
Although it’s named after a 1904 forest fire, Burnt Lake is one of the greenest and most serene places I have visited. One of my favorite things about this trail is the numerous small waterfalls and water pools along the way. The water is so clear and full of multi-colored rocks.
This hike is one of my favorite in the Mt. Hood National Forest. There are so many beautiful places to visit, but this is one spot I will be going back to!
Type of Trail: Loop out and backLength: About 7 MilesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 1,400 ft. – 4,100 at the high point.
Extra Details: I lost cell service as soon as I hit Lolo Pass so make sure you tell someone where you are!
The trail is dog-friendly (on a leash). Remember to bring bags for waste disposal.
You need a $5 NW Forest Day Pass for this hike. Grab a one from the Front Desk at Whispering Woods Resort!
After hiking, head back to Welches to clean up and get a bite to eat. Some local options are:
For more hiking reviews, visit our Hiking page.