Frog Lake Loop

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Mt Hood National Forest, OR, US

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Route Overview

Long Distance Studio

Bikepacking for the win.

45 mi.

2,979 ft.

The Frog Lake Loop hops together four lakes in Mt Hood National Forest to make a perfect overnight escape or day ride for lake bathing and mountainside views. The route offers smooth single track and flowing gravel roads in between towering Douglas firs and ponderosa pines. The route also goes through Little Crater Lake, a geological oddity that showcases the magical wonder of the region…

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Route Details

Mt Hood National Forest is known for its network of forest roads and expansive mountain views. The Frog Lake Loop takes full advantage of both of these, but also incorporates an important third element: lakes. This short overnighter includes four lake stops at Frog Lake, Clear Lake, Little Crater Lake and Timothy Lake. Whether you want a refreshing swim, scenic camp spot, or beginner-friendly single track - this overnighter has something for everyone. *This route can also be ridden in one day, with day-use parking at Frog Lake for $5 or free if you have a forest or national parks pass.

The Frog Lake Loop is an overnighter bikepacking route designed to begin and end at Frog Lake with overnight camping at or near Timothy Lake. The route starts on mellow, gravel forest roads that link to Clear Lake, a 560-acre lake with abundant wild mushrooms in late summer and early fall.

Once you leave Clear Lake, @point[a hidden dirt road links to road NF 42](d,20095.16), allowing you to bypass the busy U.S. 26 Highway. The route turns to smooth pavement for about four miles until you reach Abbot Pass and turn onto forest roads that lead into Little Crater Lake.

@poi[Little Crater Lake](12825604) is considered an oddity by geologists, and believed to be created by artesian water forcing its way through soft volcanic rock. The lake was named after Crater Lake, also in Oregon, due to their shared bright blue waters.

Leaving Crater Lake, a trail links to the @poi[Pacific Crest Trail](12825605) where you will have to walk your bike for a short half a mile. Afterwards you will turn onto an easy single track trail that will shortly lead into gravel around the east side of Timothy Lake. There are plenty of dispersed camping options available in this area, but if you need to filter water you will need to hike down to the lake.

The route continues to meander around Timothy Lake, where you jump back onto more flow-y single track that skirts along the water. On a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of @poi[Mt Hood](12825626) and Mt Jefferson in the background. From Timothy Lake, the single track eventually leads into a gradual, long gravel climb back to Frog Lake.

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## Highlights

- Four lakes along the route. Perfect for hanging out and swimming in the summer.
- @poi[Little Crater Lake](12825604) is a geological oddity and the beautiful, turquoise water is a wonder to see.
- Several mountain views of Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson.
- Smooth single track around Timothy Lake, perfect for beginners.
- Lots of camping options. Designated campgrounds at each lake, or dispersed camping spots are available.
- Route can be ridden in either direction depending on camping preferences. 
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## Must Know

- Ideal bike: Gravel bike with 34c tires at minimum. Mountain bikes can also be ridden depending on your preference for the single track sections. 
- When to go: Late spring, summer and early fall are the best times to ride in the Mt Hood region to avoid snow.
- Parking: @poi[Overnight parking](12825603) is available for $5 at Frog Lake and at Timothy Lake, if route is ridden in reverse.
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## Camping
- @poi[Timothy Lake](12825626) offers six designated campgrounds surrounding the lake. 
- @poi[Meditation Point](12825593) campground is hike-in, first-come-first-served only and the most secluded campsite at Timothy Lake.
- @poi[Dispersed camping](12825602) is available on forest road NF-4280 on the east side of Timothy Lake. 
- @point[Frog Lake](d,1094.44) tends to be less busy and offers reservation camping. Ride the route in reverse to ensure a campsite!
- @point[Clear Lake](d,18428.62) and Little Crater Lake also offers reservation camp spots.
- Be sure to reserve a camp spot early (especially at Timothy Lake), since spots tend to fill up quickly.
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## Food/H2O
- Water is available at Frog Lake, Clear Lake and Timothy Lake during the open season, typically late May until late September. 
- No food resupply available.
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## Trail Notes
- The Pacific Crest Trail goes around the north-east side of Timothy Lake. Walking is recommended from Little Crater Lake to the multi-use trail. Be sure to stay on trails designated for bicycle usage and be courteous to hikers. 
- Check trail and snow conditions if you’re riding in early spring or late fall. Mt Hood can see significant snowfall in the winter, combined with shaded areas along the route can make riding difficult.  
- The route crosses @point[U.S. Highway 26](d,16578.59), so please be advised and be safe when crossing!
- There are plenty of fishing, hiking and boating activities at each lake. Mt Hood Outfitters offer kayak rentals at Frog Lake and Timothy Lake. Call 503-715-2175 or email info@mthoodoutfitters.com to make arrangements.
- This route can be easily combined and extended with[ Ripplebrook Backroads](https://ridewithgps.com/ambassador_routes/490-ripplebrook-backroads-v1),[ Oregon Timber Trail](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26945561),[ Cascade Skyline](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/22108726) and [Gunsight Ridge](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/10111563) routes if you’re looking for more mileage. 
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## Links
- [Timothy Lake Campground]( https://www.portlandgeneral.com/corporate-responsibility/environmental-stewardship/water-quality-habitat-protection/parks-campgrounds/timothy-lake )
- [Frog Lake Campground]( https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232848)
- [Clear Lake Campground]( https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53058 )
- [Little Crater Lake Campground]( https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232872)
- [Mt Hood trail conditions]( https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices)

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