Take your own postcard photo of Mt Hood from Lost Lake, which frames the white peak rising from a deep-blue lake amid thick green forest. This inland side trip offers relief when the gorge gets too hot. To reach Lost Lake, which is 25 miles south of Hood River, take Hwy 281 from Hood River to Dee and follow the signs. Canoe and paddle boat rentals are available at the resort here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Eagle Creek Recreation Area

11.19 MILES

The beautiful, 13.2-mile Eagle Creek Trail was the gorge's most popular hike before the 2017 fire that has closed it indefinitely. There is no timeline on…

2. Bonneville Fish Hatchery

11.89 MILES

Next door to Bonneville Dam, in pretty grounds with picnic tables, is this visitor-friendly facility. There are several ponds full of rainbow trout and…

3. Bonneville Dam

12.01 MILES

This dam was one of the largest New Deal projects of the Depression era. Completed in 1937, it was the first major dam on the Columbia River. Dam…

4. Hutson Museum

12.1 MILES

Get a fantastic view of Mt Hood from this museum and historic residence in Parkdale. The collection includes pioneer and Native American artifacts as well…

5. Timberline Lodge

12.21 MILES

The building of Timberline Lodge in 1936–37 was a huge project for the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which employed up to 500 workers to construct…

6. Cascade Locks Historical Museum

12.82 MILES

Housed in an old lockmaster's three-story residence (1905) across from the locks, this museum features Native American artifacts, a fish wheel and a…

7. Beacon Rock State Park

13.54 MILES

Washington's Beacon Rock, the core of an ancient volcano, is a prominent state park about 7 miles west of the Bridge of the Gods. It offers hiking,…

8. Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center

14.02 MILES

Located just below Skamania Lodge, this museum weaves together the many threads that form the area's history – Native Americans, early explorers, pioneer…