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Little Crater Lake Campground is one of the most scenic spots in Mt. Hood National Forest and a very comfortable place to camp. It is not far from Little Crater Lake, a cold, crystal clear, spring-fed pond. Also nearby is Timothy Lake, where boaters and anglers enjoy recreating, all in the shadows of Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest point. Recreation A short path to view Little Crater Lake begins in the campground. It connects to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which winds its way through the area, past Timothy Lake and up the slopes of Mt. Hood. The long-distance trail is popular among hikers and backpackers, stretches 2,650 miles through California, Oregon and Washington, from Canada to Mexico. Visitors enjoy fishing at Timothy Lake, which covers roughly 1,400 acres. Anglers will find Kokanee salmon and a variety of stocked trout. Facilities The campground offers more than a dozen single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets are provided. A hand-pump water spigot is located near the campground's entrance and is the only source of water within the facility. Utility hookups are not available. Parking surfaces are grass, dirt and irregularly shaped. Natural Features The quiet campground is nestled in an evergreen forest at an elevation of 3,300 feet. Little Crater Lake is a geologic oddity, possibly formed by artesian water forcing its way through soft, volcanic rock. The beautiful, turquoise water is a wonder to see. The surrounding meadow is a great place for observing birds and other wildlife. The region is ripe for huckleberry picking as well. Nearby Attractions The Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District is less than 10 miles from the campground. It was built to house forest service workers in the early 1900s. The rustic architecture and historic nature of the buildings and the surrounding area draws thousands of visitors each year. ADA Access: N
From Sandy, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road (Road 42). Turn right and travel south for 4 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 58 and travel 2 miles to the campground.
Went there for the first time this fall. I did not know this existed until a friend took us there. It is a natural lake that is 45 feet deep and clear enough to see the bottom. There is no swimming and the water temp is in the 30's all year - very cold. This is a small lake, but very beautiful. The walk from the parking area is less than 1/4 mile. It is also flat and a very easy trail.
Beautiful!! Small hidden natural blue pool! Free, but limited parking, just 4 minutes away from the pool. Iced water! We were at 9:00 am, and the sun didn’t show up there yet, but we still could catch some beautiful rays in the water
Easy access and a short stroll through a beautiful meadow before you hit the trees and the lake. Words can’t full describe the experience as your eyes don’t want you to believe you are looking almost 50 feet deep into water. As this is a natural rarity with water remap a constant 34° it is a must see. As always, pack it in and pack it out
Short little hike from parking area, 250 yards. So crystal clear, you can see all the way down. Water is freezing, so swimming is a NO GO. Be careful on the little deck it is falling apart. And watch where you sit on the wood bench there is a bolt sticking way out. No picture will show the true water color. It is BREATH TAKING
