Posted by Derek Sedillo on February 20, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I was wondering if you could recommend some Lakes for reflections of Mt. Hood in late Spring. I will be there around May 22-23 after visiting the coast. So far I am thinking about:
* Lost Lake - 3100'
* Trillium Lake - 3600'
Originally I was planning to shoot Lost Lake at sunrise or sunset. To do sunrise with my family I was going to rent a rustic cabin on the lake. But I just spoke with the reservation lady who said because of all the snow this winter they are not planning on opening until Memorial weekend or later.
Since the altitude of the lake is only 3100' I was kind of surprised to hear about the delayed opening. Is it really possible to still have snow access issues at 3100' in late May? I guess living in Colorado I am used to having access to Lakes at much higher altitude all year long even when they are frozen and knee deep in snow around the rim.
Lastly would you recommend either of these lakes at sunrise or sunset? Lost Lake appears to sit north west of Hood and Trillium south of Hood.
Thanks for any tips and/or suggestions,
- Derek
Posted by Tom Kloster on February 20, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Both are great choices, Derek - especially Lost Lake, which is the "classic" view of the mountain. It's quite possible that there will still be snow remaining at the lake in late May, but unlikely. By then, the snow level should be up to about 4,000 feet. So you should be able to get to the lake, even if the resort hasn't opened. There's a very nice USFS campground at the lake, so that may be an option if the resort is closed.
The best views from the lake are in late afternoon to sunset, from any one of several fisherman paths that lead down to the short along the north edge of the lake. Simply follow the around-the-lake trail west from the lodge (and a bridge over the outlet stream) until you can clearly see all of the mountain looming through the trees. The full loop around the lake is about 3 miles, and exceptionally scenic - so leave time for that, too!
Trillium Lake is best in the morning, since there is a large wooded ridge that dominates the west shoulder of the lake that turns into a big black triangle in evening shots. Morning also frequently brings wispy clouds around the base of the mountain. The best views (IMO) are not from the dam that you see most photos taken from, but instead, from the area of the boat launch inside the campground, on the east edge of the lake. This perspective has an arm of the lake in the foreground, with marginal wetlands adding to the scene. The campground here is very nice, and if you reserve early, you can even get a lakeshore spot. Like Lost Lake, there's a trail around Trillium that is well worth the hike.
This Wikipedia shot is a fine example of what the views from this part of the lake look like. although this one was taken in late afternoon. This is likely a May or June view, as well, and as you can see, the south side has a smooth, white surface that is very tough to shoot in mid-day, but develops nice shadows in morning and evening.
Sounds like you a great trip planned! If you're shooting Hood at that time of year, another excellent destination is the upper Hood River Valley, when the orchards are brilliant green. You'll have missed the orchard blossoms, but the scene will still be very nice. A great hike during this time of year is to Bald Butte, which is located along the eastern wall of the upper valley. Here's a hike description with photos from a recent snowshoe trip, but in late May, the slopes in this area will be covered with yellow arrowleaf balsamroot blossoms - the glam flower of the eastern end of the Columbia Gorge. Very photogenic! Others on the site can give you more suggestions on shooting balsamroot locales in the Gorge, but you'll be here during the peak season for that particular flower.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on February 20, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Tom,
Thanks so much for the detailed information and advice. I will plan on visiting Lost Lake even if the resort is closed.
I told my wife that between the coast, waterfalls and lakes I am going to need at least 'Three' weeks instead of just 'Two.' She immediately replied 'well then forget it - lets just move there and get it over with! LOL...
Of course she already knows my answer to that one.
Discussion
2 replies* Lost Lake - 3100'
* Trillium Lake - 3600'
Originally I was planning to shoot Lost Lake at sunrise or sunset. To do sunrise with my family I was going to rent a rustic cabin on the lake. But I just spoke with the reservation lady who said because of all the snow this winter they are not planning on opening until Memorial weekend or later.
Since the altitude of the lake is only 3100' I was kind of surprised to hear about the delayed opening. Is it really possible to still have snow access issues at 3100' in late May? I guess living in Colorado I am used to having access to Lakes at much higher altitude all year long even when they are frozen and knee deep in snow around the rim.
Lastly would you recommend either of these lakes at sunrise or sunset? Lost Lake appears to sit north west of Hood and Trillium south of Hood.
Thanks for any tips and/or suggestions,
- Derek
The best views from the lake are in late afternoon to sunset, from any one of several fisherman paths that lead down to the short along the north edge of the lake. Simply follow the around-the-lake trail west from the lodge (and a bridge over the outlet stream) until you can clearly see all of the mountain looming through the trees. The full loop around the lake is about 3 miles, and exceptionally scenic - so leave time for that, too!
Trillium Lake is best in the morning, since there is a large wooded ridge that dominates the west shoulder of the lake that turns into a big black triangle in evening shots. Morning also frequently brings wispy clouds around the base of the mountain. The best views (IMO) are not from the dam that you see most photos taken from, but instead, from the area of the boat launch inside the campground, on the east edge of the lake. This perspective has an arm of the lake in the foreground, with marginal wetlands adding to the scene. The campground here is very nice, and if you reserve early, you can even get a lakeshore spot. Like Lost Lake, there's a trail around Trillium that is well worth the hike.
This Wikipedia shot is a fine example of what the views from this part of the lake look like. although this one was taken in late afternoon. This is likely a May or June view, as well, and as you can see, the south side has a smooth, white surface that is very tough to shoot in mid-day, but develops nice shadows in morning and evening.
Sounds like you a great trip planned! If you're shooting Hood at that time of year, another excellent destination is the upper Hood River Valley, when the orchards are brilliant green. You'll have missed the orchard blossoms, but the scene will still be very nice. A great hike during this time of year is to Bald Butte, which is located along the eastern wall of the upper valley. Here's a hike description with photos from a recent snowshoe trip, but in late May, the slopes in this area will be covered with yellow arrowleaf balsamroot blossoms - the glam flower of the eastern end of the Columbia Gorge. Very photogenic! Others on the site can give you more suggestions on shooting balsamroot locales in the Gorge, but you'll be here during the peak season for that particular flower.
Thanks so much for the detailed information and advice. I will plan on visiting Lost Lake even if the resort is closed.
I told my wife that between the coast, waterfalls and lakes I am going to need at least 'Three' weeks instead of just 'Two.' She immediately replied 'well then forget it - lets just move there and get it over with! LOL...
Of course she already knows my answer to that one.