Lower Lake Campground

Closed — Closed in 2025 due to extensive damage from the Lionshead Fire. Repair work is ongoing.

Alcohol Prohibitions

This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.

Aquatic Invasive Species

This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.

Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products

This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.

Debris Removal on Salmon River Road

Significant roadwork is occurring on Salmon River Road (Forest Road 2618) on the Zigzag Ranger District beginning Friday, January 16 through at least Monday January 19. Large vehicles on the roadway will impact visitors accessing Old Salmon River Trail.

Winter Storm Closure - Forest Order

(Effective through Jan. 31, 2026) To protect public and Forest Service staff's safety following the 2025 winter storm event as well as prevent road and natural resource damage, a temporary closure order is in place on select roads on the Clackamas River & Zigzag Ranger Districts.

Bagby Hot Springs CLOSED

Bagby Hot Springs is closed. A landslide has closed Forest Road 70, preventing access to the springs.

Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is CLOSED

Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is CLOSED due to heavy damage from the December storms. Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is blocked by multiple slides and completely washed out and destroyed in one section, making Tamanawas Falls inaccessible via that route.

Hazards from Winter Storms

Heavy rains and strong winds have created many hazards across Mt. Hood National Forest and surrounding areas. December storms resulted in downed trees on Forest Roads in addition to localized flooding, landslides, and rockfall.

Sno-park Permits required Nov. 1 to Apr. 30

Sno-Park Permits are required to park in designated sno-parks from November 1 through April 30. Sno-Park Permits are managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Eagle Creek Fire Area Closures - Forest Order

In 2017, the Eagle Creek Fire caused extensive damage to surrounding areas in Columbia River Gorge and parts of Mt. Hood National Forest. Some trails are closed to the public in both the Gorge and Hood River Ranger District, pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b).

Health and Safety Closure Due to Roadside Danger Trees - Forest Order

The following acts are prohibited upon the National Forest System Roads described below. Forest Order #06-06-05-25-03 renews Order 06- 06-06-00-23-01, and will be effective June 26, 2025, through June 26, 2026.PROHIBITIONS:

Crane Creek bridge closed on the Barlow Road

The Crane Creek bridge on the Barlow Road (Forest Road 3530) is collapsed and closed. The Barlow Road is open, but it can't be driven from end to end.

About

Lower Lake Campground is situated on Lower Lake in the Olallie Lake Scenic Area within Mount Hood National Forest, just west of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation. The lake covers 14 acres and is very deep, providing excellent fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities. The scenic area features numerous small alpine lakes worth exploring, connected by trails throughout the region. The campground sits at high elevation in a remote location accessible via forest roads that close in winter due to heavy snow. The area is known for its peaceful, scenic setting and light usage. Recreational activities include day hiking, backpacking, fishing, and paddling. The surrounding Olallie Lake Scenic Area offers extensive trail networks and pristine alpine lake environments. Access requires traveling forest roads including gravel sections, with a vehicle length limit of 16 feet. The campground does not provide drinking water, so visitors must bring their own. The area's remoteness means no cell phone service is available. Winter road closures typically last from late fall through spring depending on snowpack.

Directions

From Estacada, drive south on Highway 224 for 26 miles. The road becomes Forest Road 46; continue for 20 miles. Turn east onto Forest Road 4690 and drive 6 miles on pavement, then about 3 miles on gravel to a junction with Forest Road 4220 at the resort turnoff. Roads are closed in winter due to heavy snow.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $20

Vehicle

Max RV Length 16ft
Max Trailer Length 16ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (971) 333-4100

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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