Laurance Lake

Laurance Lake is a reservoir that provides a great destination for paddling adventures as well as camping, fishing, and hiking. No motorized boats are allowed on the lake, so a calm paddling experience is assured if the weather cooperates. Also, a night paddle on Laurance Lake can provide an exceptional view of the night sky and Milky Way as this destination in close to Mount Hood and shielded from the lights of Portland and Hood River.

In addition to the paddling, Laurance Lake is known for being possibly the best fly fishing lake in the Mount Hood region because angling regulations don't allow for the killing of wild fish. Wild bull trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroats fill the approximately 100-foot-deep reservoir.

Complementing the paddling experience, Laurance Lake provides public restrooms, campsites, and connections to hiking trails in the surrounding forest. The Elk Cove Trail and the Pinnacle Ridge Trail are two hiking options that you can pick up from Laurance Lake.

When it comes to travel, keep in mind that the lake is at an elevation of 2,980 feet. In winter months, Laurance Lake is often inaccessible due to road conditions and snow levels. Also, because the lake is just to the north of Mount Hood, it can experience small microclimates that bring in light rains and cooler temperatures.