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Activities

Quite possibly one of the most outdoor-friendly places in the world, Trout Lake and the surrounding areas feature a wide variety of beautiful landscapes that offer outdoor enthusiasts and families nearly endless recreational opportunities in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. The Mt. Adams booming views never get old, and those Gifford Pinchot National Forest adventures are made memories you will never forget with your friends and family. There is something for everyone when you come visit. Please browse through our photo gallery for some very interesting photos and other ideas for fun things to do in our area. 

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Climb Mt. Adams

Climb Mt. Adams

Towering approximately 12,500 feet above sea level, climbing Mount Adams is a must do for those with a little ambition. It's hard work, but once you get to the top, it's all worth it! From the top you'll have impressive views of Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and much, much more....

Lewis River Falls

Lewis River Falls

Some great hiking, fun water-play, and some of the most extravagant waterfalls can be seen here. There are three waterfalls in total, all special and unique in their own way. Some days you will see some very brave people cliff-diving at the lower falls.

Sleeping Beauty Hike

Sleeping Beauty Hike

This trail ascends a rocky face to exciting views of Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens, Mount Rainier, and the many little extinct volcanoes of Indian Heaven. This is called Sleeping Beauty because if you look up from Trout Lake, you can see a rocky profile of a lady.

White River Rafting

White River Rafting

The White Salmon River is very popular for white water rafting and kayaking. There are several outfits offering trips. Wet Plant and Zollers Outdoor Odyssey is the most popular white river rafting companies.

Cross Country Skiing

Cross Country Skiing

A very fun way to get some exercise in winter time. There are a network of groomed trails if you prefer, but of course, there is unlimited backcountry skiing potential.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

There are thousands of trails out here to mountain bike and explore. The Syncline Trail and the Service Trail (pictured above) are two very fun ones to ride.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling

Trout Lake is well known for the great snowmobiling. The snow is deep and mountains are big.

Wild Huckleberry Picking

Wild Huckleberry Picking

Huckleberries flourish in the forests around Trout Lake and is a fun family activity in the late summer.

Fishing

Fishing

There are countless places to fish around here. Trout Creek and the White Salmon river both run through the town of Trout Lake and carry an abundance of fish for a quick outing. There are also numerous mountain lakes and streams with lots of fish (Takhlakh Lake pictured).

Caving

Caving

Trout Lake is very well known for the lava tubes that spread out throughout the forest surrounding Trout Lake valley. There are enough for avid cave explorers to explore for days on end. The Cheese Caves and Ice Caves are popular and relatively easy. Dead Horse Cave and Dynamite Cave are much more advanced, but quite spectacular.

Road Biking

Road Biking

This area is just starting to catch on within the road biking community. The paved forest roads offer great views and little vehicle traffic allowing for safe and fun rides.

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Lots of horse trails throughout the forests surrounding Trout Lake. The Buck Creek Horse Camp is a very popular place to take off from.

Star Gazing

Star Gazing

Far from the city lights in the crisp, fresh air the stars shine very bright. Trout Lake makes for a great place to throw down a blanked ,maybe bring a bottle of wine :), and just relax under a starlit sky.

Toobing

Toobing

Toobing Trout Creek or other local rivers is a favorite pastime for many local residents. This activity ranges from exhilarating to relaxing depending on water levels and the section of river you choose. Toobs can be rented from the local service station, so pick one up and enjoy this refreshing activity on a hot Summer day!

Wildlife Viewing/ Hunting

Wildlife Viewing/ Hunting

Trout Lake and the surrounding areas are home to many forms of wildlife. There are large herds of elk, many deer, wild turkeys, bear, and numerous bird species. Great for wildlife viewing and/or hunting.

Kayaking/ Canoeing

Kayaking/ Canoeing

There are many mountain lakes and streams to enjoy this activity on. Takhlakh Lake, Goose Lake, Disappearing Lake, Council Lake, and Trout Lake are some of the favorites. There are also world-class white water rivers for those with the kayaking skills to take them on.

Mushroom Foraging

Mushroom Foraging

Enjoy the edible riches of the forests around Trout Lake. This is a great family-friendly activity to get everyone out into the great outdoors. Morels, boletes, matsutakes, chantrelles, and many more are found in this area. Know before you pick and especially before you eat!

Dirt Biking

Dirt Biking

Amazing dirt biking can be enjoyed in these hills. Two trail systems we highly recommend are the Service Trail and Dark Divide area.

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

The Columbia River Gorge around Hood River has been transformed into a small mecca for wineries over the years. The area is said to have the same growing conditions as some of the famous wineries in Europe.

Kite Boarding/ Wind Surfing

Kite Boarding/ Wind Surfing

Hood River is known as the wind surfing capital of the world. Observing some word-class kite boarders and wind surfers on a blustery day can be an exhilarating experience. If you prefer to try it yourself, lessons can be found at a number of local shops, though the sport can take a long time to master.

  • 20 Min - 1hr to most Mt. Adams Wilderness hikes

  • 10 Min to local area hikes and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

  • 10 Min to local SnoParks for winter recreation

  • 2 Min to local restaurants

  • 10 Min to whitewater rafting/ kayaking locations

  • 10 Min to Ice Caves, Natural Bridges, and other caving areas

  • 20-30 Min to local wineries and breweries (Hood River & White Salmon)

  • 2 Min -1 hr to various lakes, rivers, and streams for fishing

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