This is an outstanding little hike with exceptional rewards. The trailhead is right off forest road 250 and is well marked. The trail itself is kept in good condition.

The hike in to Catalpa Lake is gentle and short. The whole family can enjoy this little gem of a hike, especially during the hot valley summers. This area is a little over 4000 feet in elevation, so it is cooler, and well, the lake can offer some relief. There is an excellent campsite near the lake, which makes this destination an easy overnighter.

Soon after you leave the trailhead, there will be a junction to a trail that goes down into the White River valley. Keep straight ahead and the trail will narrow, but it continues to be in good condition. Soon you will come to a small little creek, but you should have no problems getting across. The trail climbs a bit from the creek as it makes its way to Catalpa Lake.

When you arrive at the lake, bear to the right and follow a user trail to the camp area. Here you will find a few approaches to the lake itself, but the shoreline is not real friendly. If you continue around the lake, you will come to a rocky area that offers great views of the lake. Enjoy!

To reach the trailhead for Catalpa Lake, follow US 26 east of Mt. Hood toward Madras and Bend. About 2 miles after you pass Forest Road 42, which leads to Timothy Lake, or Olallie Basin, you will come to Forest Road 43 on your left just as you negotiate a significant curve in Hwy 26. Follow FR43 for about 2.5 miles and on your left you will come to FR2610. Turn left on this road until it splits. FR2610 will bear to the left, but you need to keep straight ahead on FR250. In about a mile and a half this road will begin to make a very sharp uphill turn to the left, but before it does, on your right is a roadbed that serves at the trailhead for your hike to Catalpa Lake. Park here.

Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions Vicinity Map To contact the Mt. Hood NF for current information: Click Here.