Place

Hidden Lake Trailhead

A trailhead off Kiwanis Camp Road east of Sandy for the Hidden Lake Trail, which climbs to a small wooded lake in the Mount Hood Wilderness.

Representative photo, not this exact spot. Photo: Mickhaupt via Pexels · Pexels License

The Hidden Lake Trail begins at this trailhead and heads into the Mount Hood Wilderness from its southwest side. It’s in the Zigzag Ranger District: take US Highway 26 east of Sandy, turn north on Kiwanis Camp Road (Forest Road 2639), and drive about 2.2 miles. Look for a wide lot just beyond the Kiwanis Camp entrance.

The route climbs through rhododendrons, a colorful sight in bloom, to Hidden Lake, a small, pond-like lake in the trees. Keep going and the trail continues toward the Pacific Crest Trail. Parking fits a bit more than 10 mid-size vehicles, and there are seasonal restrooms but no drinking water.

Things to do

  • Picnicking

Getting there

From Portland, OR

  1. Follow U.S. Hwy 26 22 miles east of Sandy and turn left (north) at Kiwanis Camp Road (Forest Road 2639) (approximately 0.6 mile east of milepost 48).
  2. Travel 2.2 miles on Kiwanis Camp Road to the parking area near the end of the road.
  3. The trail begins just past Kiwanis Camp entrance in a wide parking area on the left.

Parking

Space for more than 10 medium-sized vehicles.

From the Forest Service

All fees

Day Use:
Peak Season (May 1 - Oct 31):
$5 per vehicle per day
$5/vehicle/day from May 1 to October 31.

Passes and permits

A valid recreation pass may be used as a form of fee payment.

Ranger office

Zigzag Ranger District
Address: 70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049
Phone: 503-622-3191
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)

Details from the official Forest Service page, a public-domain U.S. government source.

Trails here

Last checked November 4, 2026