About LOST CREEK
Overview Lost Creek Campground is a fully accessible campground allowing anyone access to campsites, fishing and a paved nature trail that meanders through the area. The campground is also near the Wild and Scenic Sandy River and not far from the popular Ramona Falls Trailhead. Mt. Hood is just southeast of the campground and is close enough for visitors to enjoy a day trip and sightseeing.Recreation A variety of trails exist within and near the campground, including the accessible Lost Creek Nature Trail, which explains events in history that helped form the area's geology. A deviation from the road coming into the campground (Forest Road 1825), will lead to a trailhead for spectacular Ramona Falls on the Sandy River. The 7.1-mile trail leads to cascading waterfalls and is one of the most popular hikes on the forest. Fishing is available in the Sandy River and anglers can expect steelhead year-round, Coho salmon in the fall and Chinook salmon from February through October. Trout also inhabit the river. Scenic driving and picnicking are popular activities as well.Facilities The campground is fully accessible and provides a variety of single, double and walk-to campsites. The structures can accommodate up to six campers each. Visitors must provide their own bedding.Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are accessible vault toilets and drinking water. Utility hookups are not available. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host. Natural Features Moss and shrubbery covers the ground and evergreens tower overhead, providing ample shade for the campground and privacy between the individual and group campsites. The campground is situated in the Old Maid Flat area of Mt. Hood National Forest, northwest of majestic Mt. Hood at an elevation of about 2,600 feet. It sits on one of the largest pyroclastic volcanic mudflows from Mt. Hood's "Old Maid" eruption in the 1700s. Nearby Attractions The town of Government Camp is located at the b
How to Get There
From Portland, follow Highway 26 for 18 miles past the town of Sandy to the community of Zigzag. Turn north (left) onto Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18). Travel just over 4 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 1825. Continue for less than a mile and then bear right, staying on Forest Road 1825, and cross the Sandy River bridge. Continue for approximately 2 miles and then bear right at the "Y" junction. The campground is less than a mile past the junction, on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to LOST CREEK
Heading to LOST CREEK? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for LOST CREEK?
No central reservation system listed for LOST CREEK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232838) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to LOST CREEK?
From Portland, follow Highway 26 for 18 miles past the town of Sandy to the community of Zigzag. Turn north (left) onto Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18). Travel just over 4 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 1825. Continue for less than a mile and then bear right, staying on Forest Road 1825, and cross the Sandy River bridge. Continue for approximately 2 miles and then bear right at the "Y" junc…
How do I contact LOST CREEK?
You can reach the park at phone: 503-630-5721 or email: clm@clm-services.com.
References & Official Resources