Lost Lake
Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon · 3,143 ft
Mount Hood sits southeast across the water and reflects from the north-shore day-use beach on a still morning. Vine maple and bigleaf maple in the old-growth understory along the shoreline loop carry the color at lake level.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Sep 21 – Sep 29
A few weeks out. Expect this to move by several days.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces SE (143°)
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
From Hood River take OR-281 south to Lost Lake Road (Forest Road 13) and drive about 25 miles to the resort day-use area, 100 yards from the north shore.
What turns here
- vine maple
- bigleaf maple
- red alder
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 25Typical color progression for Lost Lake. No change from Aug 18 to Sep 4. First color from Sep 4 to Sep 13. Approaching peak from Sep 13 to Sep 21. Peak from Sep 21 to Sep 29. Past peak from Sep 29 to Oct 9. Bare from Oct 9 to Oct 23.
Lost Lake is typically at approaching peak on this date.
Light at peak
Lost Lake on September 25, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:28 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 90° | 6:57 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 39 min of low, warm light | 7:37 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:59 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 39 min before sunset | 6:20 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 269° | 6:59 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:29 PM |
Times in America/Los Angeles · day length 12h 2m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Both ends of the day: side-lit
Side light. Best for texture and depth across a ridge, and the safest bet for contrast.
Based on the classic composition here facing SE (143°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.