Timothy Lake- The Cove Day Use Area
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically opens Memorial Day weekend through fall, weather permitting.
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
Nestled along the scenic shoreline of Timothy Lake in Mount Hood National Forest, The Cove Day Use Area is a popular destination for day recreation at 3,400 feet elevation. Visitors can spend the day picnicking under towering conifers, swimming in the clear mountain lake, or casting a line from the shore to catch trout and kokanee. The site serves as a base for exploring nearby hiking and biking trails, including access to the Timothy Lake Trail system and connections to the Pacific Crest Trail. Interpretive programs may be offered during summer months. While The Cove does not have a boat ramp, watercraft access is available at nearby day use areas like Pine Point. The area includes vault toilets, picnic tables, and potable water when open. A valid day use pass or Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking. The site is operated by Portland General Electric in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Clackamas River Hydroelectric Project.
Directions
Travel east on U.S. Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles from Sandy to Skyline Road (Forest Road 42). Turn right on Skyline Road, travel south 9 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 57, travel west 2 miles, turn right at the Cove Day Use Area entrance sign.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| pgeparks@pgn.com | |
| Phone | +1 (503) 464-8515 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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