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.
Minh-Kiet Callies / Flickr
From the trailhead at Little Crater Lake Campground, you can take the short quarter-mile stroll to Little Crater Lake's beautiful sapphire waters.
photogJS / Flickr
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.
Melissa Delzio / Flickr
A lovely boardwalk makes this trail accessible and easy for people of all abilities to see this natural gem.
Celeste Ramsay / Flickr
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.
Bill Geneczko / Flickr
There are several developed campgrounds around Timothy Lake if you want to hang out and stay awhile.
Aric Riley / Flickr
From Timothy Lake you have amazingly blue views of the water as well.
Bill Geneczko / Flickr
And of course, you can get a great unobstructed view of Mt. Hood.
Liz Randall / Flickr

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.

 

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