The Sapphire Lake Near Portland That’s Devastatingly Gorgeous

Mount Hood is a striking beauty, and while it is still well covered in snow, now is a great time to start planning your summer adventures there. This year consider taking the trek to Little Crater Lake's beautiful sapphire water and enjoying the peaceful nature of the Mt Hood National Forest along the way.

This amazingly scenic hike in the Mount Hood National Forest can be as long or short as you choose, with many places to stop and rest along the way.

From the trailhead at Little Crater Lake Campground, you can take the short quarter-mile stroll to Little Crater Lake's beautiful sapphire waters.

Its aquamarine blue hue is stunning each and every time you visit. The reflection of the trees in the water is not to be missed.

A lovely boardwalk makes this trail accessible and easy for people of all abilities to see this natural gem.

If you want to keep going though, you can travel through the forest for up to 13 miles for a loop around the nearby Timothy Lake.

There are several developed campgrounds around Timothy Lake if you want to hang out and stay awhile.

From Timothy Lake you have amazingly blue views of the water as well.

And of course, you can get a great unobstructed view of Mt. Hood.

To see the amazing blue waters of Little Crater Lake yourself, take US 26 to Skyline Road 4 miles to the west and 1 mile north. Follow the signs for Little Crater Lake Campground, and unless you are camping, park in the day-use area.