Helen Lake

A small lake near NF-4540 in Mount Hood National Forest.

Lake Name: Helen Lake Lake Coordinates: 45.0929, -122.2577 Lake Elevation: 3902′ Access: Drive up Note: The lake is right next to the road and the shore is somewhat trashy.

Location: Near Forest Road 4540 in Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon, U.S.A.

Administration: Mount Hood National Forest

Ranger District: Clackamas River Ranger District Date accessed: 12-21-19

Lake Helen was easily seen from the road. There was a wide pull out where we parked the truck and got out to walk up to the lake. The whole lake was frozen over with at least 1″ of ice. It was very pretty.

It was kinda trashy along the shoreline. My dad found a “poop-pot,” a bucket that was used as a toilet. Kinda gross. This is definitely the kind of lake to just stop by and look at, not the kind you’d want to spend multiple days at.

This area is definitely way easier to access in non-winter months.

The first time I tried getting to this lake the snow and ice were bad enough on the road I was sliding backwards going up hill in 4-wheel drive and had to turn around. I even tried accessing it from 2 different roads—both were a bust. About a week later I tried again after we had some warmer days and the road was clear so I was able to make it into the lake.

How to get there (from Estacada, OR)

From the Estacada Bridge continue down OR-211 for 4.7 miles. Turn left on to S Hillockburn Rd. Continue on S Hillock Burn Rd (turns into NF-45 at National Forest border) for 12.8 miles. Turn right onto NF-4540 and continue on road for 1.7 miles. The lake will be on the right.

Location

Map

(Google Map coordinates 45.092843, -122.256698)

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