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Gold Lake, situated in an open alpine forest, is a popular spot in both summer and winter. Although motors are not allowed on this small (100 acre, 25 feet deep) lake, canoes, rafts and rowboats provide excellent fishing access. A primitive log shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the early 1940s provides a dry picnic area or overnight protection for cross country skiers in winter. Located very near the lake is Gold Lake Bog. This special area offers the visitor the opportunity to view deer, elk, and other smaller wildlife. In the late spring and summer this area abounds with wild flowers and huckleberries. This is a popular area to pick huckleberries in the late summer. View more Popular Lakes & Rivers
Gold Lake is located about 28 miles east of Oakridge and 68 miles from the Eugene area, near Willamette Pass. Gold Lake is situated at an elevation of 4800 feet. To reach Gold Lake from I-5 travel east on Highway 58 approximately 62 miles to the crest and watch for Forest Road 500. Turn left onto Forest Road 500 and follow this gravel road 2.2 miles to the end.
Snowshoed the road from the snow park to the warming hut and back January 10th. A bit less than four miles. Thirty+ inch base with ten inches of fresh powder besides the tracks. Colorado quality snow two hours from Eugene. The best.....
My favorite place in the world possibly (fly fishing lake) kayaker and swim crowd stay away find other adventures. No motors . No bait. Barbless Hooks . Throw ALL Rainbow back
Gold Lake is a small campground that is well maintained. If memory serves, they have 22 campsites. We stayed in site #2. All with a fire ring and picnic table, some have a fireplace with a cooking grate. They have well maintained pit toilets and potable water to pump into your own containers. The campground is full of huckleberries, which were ripe for the picking in mid-August.
Gold Lake is a very calm and still lake, no motorized boats are allowed. There is a boat ramp for launching but there is no day use area for playing in the water without a boat. Some campsites have lake access but can only be accessed from the campsite.
It is first come first serve camping. I lucked across this gem when Waldo lake campgrounds were all full.
There are hiking trails from the campground that connect to other trails in the area. Lots of flora & fauna to admire along your hike.
