Hike 59 Veda Lake Main Menu
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Legend Ten Essentials  

Hike Length: 3 miles round trip
Elev. Change: 800' gain
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Season: Summer thru Fall
Trail Condition: Good
Trail Access: Fair to Poor
Trail Signage: Good
Features: Views, Wildflowers, Lake
Useage: Light
Permit: NW FP NOT Required
Horses: No
Mtn Bikes: No

Summary:
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Veda Lake is an interesting little hike that comes in as Moderate due to the elevation changes going in and climbing out. The name of the lake supposedly comes from the two fellows that found the lake.... Vern and Dave. It is said that they used the first 2 letters of their names to create the lake name.

The parking area at the trailhead is quite large considering how difficult it is to get to the parking area. If you drive a Sherman Tank or maybe, say, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, you might be able to get there with minimal damage to your vehicle.... otherwise, be forewarned.... the road is BAD!

Once you arrive and park your now tried and tested vehicle, cross the minefield, I mean road, and begin the hike. The trail gains elevation for the first third mile or so, then levels off as you cross over the shoulder of Veda Butte. Now the trail descends into the cirque where the lake is located. As you descend you will have outstanding views of the surrounding area, especially Mt Hood to the northeast, and of course Veda Lake below you.

The lake is really quite a gem located out here in the middle of nowhere. It is a truly nice hike and very rewarding regardless of the season. The spring with its Rhododendrons, the summer with its lupines, and the fall with the red of the vine maples.



The following images are random samples of the wildflowers found in the Mount Hood National Forest.
Mouseover image to view flower name, and click on image to jump to flower guide.
Directions:

Follow US Highway 26 east of Government Camp about .4 miles and turn on Road 2650 at the Still Creek Campground. Continue about a mile on Road 2650. Turn right at the A-Frame Cabin, continuing another half mile on Road 2612 to a four way junction. Head south on Road 2613 another 4 miles to the trailhead. This road is very primitive. Be warned.

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.


A Virtual Hike in the Mt Hood National Forest
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