Hike 59
The Mt. Hood National Forest
Veda Lake Hike
Search Northern Hikes Mt Hood Hikes Eastside Hikes Central Hikes Southern Hikes
Home Page
Main Map



Click to view product details

THE FOLLOWING MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES.
Map of the Veda Lake Hike

Length: 3 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 300' gain then 500' loss
Season: Late Spring thru Fall
Difficulty:   Moderate
Permit:   NW Forest Pass Required

Features:

NEW!
 Click for PDF Topo Map of this Hike 

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 trail head 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 circ 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.




Veda Lake
How to get there:

NEW!
 Click for PDF Directions Map of this Hike 

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.


Hike Difficulty Calculator

Calorie Burn Calculator

The 10 Essentials
Bear Encounters

Cougar Encounters

River Crossing Safety
A Virtual Hike of the Mount Hood National Forest


Click to View Instructions
html>