Four Lakes Loop

What to expect

A long, rolling loop through the high forest south of Mt. Hood that strings together four very different lakes. Ride it as one big advanced day, or split it into an easy-going first bikepacking trip with a night by Timothy Lake.

• Little Crater Lake, a tiny spring-fed pool of startlingly clear blue water
• Miles along the shore of Timothy Lake, with views back to Mt. Hood
• Quiet forest roads at around 3,200–4,200 ft, so it stays cooler on summer days
• As an overnight: a lakeside campground and a shorter second day

Before you go

• Start and finish at a trailhead on the south side of Mt. Hood, off US 26. You drive yourself there
• Mostly gravel forest roads, some quiet pavement and roughly 6–8 miles of lakeshore singletrack
• The full loop is a long day; the overnight splits it into about 30 miles and about 16 miles
• Remote country with limited cell coverage; lake water is filtered before drinking
• Bring your own food and water. Your guide carries extra water, food and a filter for emergencies