With Horsethief Butte as the scenic backdrop, this lake is a relaxing spot for fishing & kayaking…read more Equipped with bathrooms & showers, a popular place for camping & RV sleepovers. Not naturally formed, flooded into existence by the Dalles Dam. Without a natural circulation of water, the summer creates toxic algae harmful to humans and fish. Warning signs are posted. A petroglyph trail is a highlight for all; in depth tour guide available by reservation. Boat launch access to the Columbia River.

Lovely piece of the Gorge. We've stopped by the lake portion and checked out the Petroglyphs before…read morewhile passing through, as well as briefly jumping onto a trail at the Butte. This weekend we got around to investing more time in the trails of Butte and it was pretty fun. The trails don't allow for a complete loop around the rock, as there's a block for restoration on the east side. But you can wander most of the way around the water side...up and around the rocks is really where's it at though. There are 3 access points to the top from the trails, and the bouldering up is loads of fun. Once atop you can roam all about and enjoy fabulous views from every angle. While the remainder of the trails at Butte are average, we found it pretty entertaining to climb around the rock portion. There's a decent amount of parking...Discover Pass required...as well at a vault toilet at the trailhead.

A lush, beautiful state park located off I-84 near Rowena. After passing by more times than I can…read morecount, I decided to venture off the highway to check it out. Was so surprised and delighted by the incredible views of the basalt cliffs across the way, and of course, close up views of the magnificent Columbia River. There is an area under the trees with picnic tables, a perfect spot to gather for a meal after a nice walk or hike. Plenty of parking, great views, peaceful and serene - a gem.

We pulled off recently to check out Mayer. In our camper van, it was a lovely, quiet spot to enjoy…read morea stretch and a meal. It seemed to be more like a county park in feel, with plenty of parking, some picnic tables, and toilets. They had a recycle bin alongside the trash cans...loved to see that. Albeit a cold December day, we only saw a couple of cars come and go while we were there. From signage it appears to be a good windsurfing area at other times of the year, so I'm sure it gets much busier. Nice little stop-off along the gorge for a view, a stretch, or a picnic.

Secluded lake park perfect for those who want a lake to themselves…read more Boat ramp available but the lake is not large enough for anything more than Jon boats. Plenty of well worn trails around the lake, some leading down to the banks to fish alongside. All trails are fairly easy for all ages. Views are serene. Ample parking, bathrooms available but bring your own wipes ;) *Warning* as there is no fresh water source to circulate, signage indicates extreme toxic levels especially during warm weather seasons. Safer to avoid during the summer.

Down a dirt road, past some industry sits this little lake(s). Certainly an unassuming park, it's…read moregot a bit to offer if you're ok with the not-so-pleasant constant odor wafting through the area (I assume from one of those businesses we passed on our way in). There are 2 "lakes" here, more pond-like I would say. Quite a bit of parking is available, with a vault toilet, boat ramp, life jackets, and a trail running the circumference of Spear Lake. We took that path, which is mostly single file width and easy for anyone. Lots of birds and ducks...as well as wind...with lovely views of ridges on both sides of the Columbia. There's a graveyard for an old car on the far side that Mother Nature is absorbing best she can. Would I go out of my way to visit again? No. But it's a decent place for a stroll if you live nearby or are passing through...as long as you can ignore the smell. Heads up, ticks are out here already this spring...we noticed one hitchhiker halfway around.

Scenic Fishing Spot…read more 5/5 Stars Not only is this place Beautiful but it is filled with fish. It is a great place to come with friends and family. It is safe and spacious.

This is a beautiful lake. It sits within view of Mt. St. Helen's near the Johnston Ridge…read moreObservatory and the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater. You can miss it if you are on the way to the observatory given there a good sign on the way up. There's a trail that goes around the lake that is well established. One kayak here and I hear there's some pretty good trout in the waters. I though the lake and the surrounding scenery were quite beautiful, especially along the trails. It's a great place for pictures and such. There are restrooms available, potable water, but to motor boats nor overnight camping is allowed.

Mount St Helens is the first glacial mountain I ever climbed. I've also hiked the entire Loowit…read moretrail along with many of the other trails in the park. Love this place! Been visiting Coldwater Lake for as long as it's been open. It used to be a well kept secret but in more recent years it's become difficult to experience the serene experience that it once was due to it's increasing popularity. The Rangers and park staff are awesome as is almost always the case in National reserves. They do "require" a national pass here and elsewhere in the park but that requirement is rarely enforced and I've never seen it enforced any place other than at the Johnston Observatory. There is a boat launch area and they may well be checking for passes in vehicles over there. I am so thankful that the Park Service is so committed to monuments like this one. Been coming here for many, many years and hope to do so for a long time to come. Coldwater Lake is one of our very favorite places to visit at almost any time of the year.

Small lake right next to the Columbia suitable for fishing. North shore. Not that far from Hood…read moreRiver. Seemed very remote and undiscovered when we came by during the week.

This is for a stop at the Trillium Lake to see the amazing views of Mt. Hood and the lake. I had to…read moreuse the GPS to direct me to the lake because the campground was another section. Luckily, phone Wi-Fi works here.

Awesome spot for views of Mount Hood. Camping here is ideal, but know there are no showers or…read moreflushing toilet, but vault toilets do exist. As of June 2024 the water is broken so you'll have no water in the campground for the time being. The best views of Mount Hood are on the wooden dock by the boat ramp in the day use area. I did get cell service a bit on Verizon.

Super clean & clear lake. Perfect for an afternoon outing on the beach or paddling on the water…read more Pretty large with a 12 mile walking/biking path circling the entirety of the lake. Day use areas are scattered all along the shore of the lake, very accessible from path. The rocks in the water are smooth, so less chance of cutting your foot. $10 parking fee 10 mph speed limit on water -- no wake entire lake

This visit we finally got to do some kayaking on Timothy while staying the night at Pine Point…read more It was a great weekend on the lake. Beautiful waters perfect for the kayak, fun hiking, a beautiful camp site, lots of adorable ducklings...and although a wildfire popped up within eyeshot, we got to witness planes working through the evening dipping into Timothy and ultimately taking the fire down. Yay! Although I've never seen so many employees at any campground, the grounds were kept pristine and every staff member encountered was friendly. No complaints, just fabulous fun at Timothy!

Amazing scenic place Must visit place if you are in Oregon…read more Might be an hour drive from main place but it's worth it. Only few coffee shops on the way. But must visit for the scenic vi

Saturday the 13th of September was a picture perfect day for a hike around this lake with my…read morefamily. I wanted to come to this area with them and walk around the lake, but thought maybe I'd only make about 1/2 mile. At nearly seventy, I was ambitious and determined to enjoy this early Birthday celebration with them. Arriving, we parked and took some pictures, then set out to do the walking (4 of us) around the lake. Mt Hood was spectacular and there were so many people on the water on paddle boards, canoes and the like. The sky was a perfect blue and there was a light breeze, 72 degrees, perfect hiking weather! We enjoyed chatter, seeing many sweet dogs and kind people along the way and before we knew it, we were already back at the start, hiking two miles. The hike was not difficult as there were no inclines and it make me feel so accomplished. A day I'll always remember.