Hiking Project Logo

The Cast Lake Trail leads to an ideal camping spot by a high Cascade lake.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

0.6

Miles

0.9

KM

Point to Point

4,506' 1,374 m

High

4,409' 1,344 m

Low

97' 30 m

Up

73' 22 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

If accessing Cast Lake Trail from Burnt Lake south trailhead, a Northwest Forest Pass is not required to park. Accessing the trail from Burnt Lake north or Riley Horse Camp area requires a NWFP. All visitors must obtain a self-issued Wilderness Use Permit at the trailhead.

Description

Cast Lake Trail #796, at just over a half mile long, is an easy trail leading into a small alpine lake on the west side of Mt. Hood Wilderness offering wildflowers and a view of Mt. Hood from parts of the lake. Getting to the trail is a much longer undertaking. The shortest route to the Cast Lake Trail is from the south end of Burnt Lake Trail #772, off of Hwy 26, leaving from the trailhead at Forest Road 2627-207 on Enola Hill. Hike 2.4 miles northeast on Burnt Lake Trail #772 to its junction with Devil’s Tie Trail #767. Go left (north) on Devil’s Tie Trail #767 for 0.3 mile to Zigzag Mountain Trail #775. Go right (north) on Zigzag Mountain Trail #775 for 0.2 mile to its junction with Cast Lake Trail #796 on your left. The trail climbs 0.2 mile before dropping 0.3 mile to Cast Lake.

The trail splits near the lake. The trail to the right leads to the north end of the lake with camping areas on the bluffs overlooking the north and east side of the lake. The trail to the left leads to the south end of the lake. The lake is slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding meadow and subalpine forest. Mt. Hood views are becoming more screened over time. Equestrians may be found on this trail since it is part of a loop ride from Riley Horse Campground.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kathleen Walker

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#29945

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
0%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
100%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#979

in Oregon

#29,945

Overall
10 Views Last Month
752 Since Sep 7, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Rhododendron and bear grass bloom along the Cast Lake Trail as it approaches Cast Lake. Photo by Yunkette.
Jan 25, 2017 near Governm…, OR
Cast Lake, is being reclaimed by meadow and forest has nice campsites on the northeast side of lake.  Photo by Seana Bennett.
Sep 7, 2016 near Governm…, OR
Cast Lake Trail junction with Zigzag Mountain Trail #775.  Photo by Wanderingyuncks.
Sep 7, 2016 near Governm…, OR

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.