more stats
7.4 miles
Distance
401 ft
Climb
-454 ft
Descent
01:26:21
Avg time
-53 ft
Altitude change
3,232 ft
Altitude min
3,341 ft
Altitude max
3,292 ft
Altitude start
3,238 ft
Altitude end
-0.1%
Grade
-15.5%
Grade max
18.4%
Grade min
3 miles
Distance climb
3 miles
Distance down
1 mile
Distance flat
01:26:21
Avg time

Timothy Lake Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Ref Number
    #528
  • Difficulty Rating
    Green Rate
  • Local Popularity
    20 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 75 in Trail Running
    • 30 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #113523 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #68376 in Trail Running
    • #77835 in Hiking
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T1 Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Green
  • Physical Rating
    Easy
  • Season
    June - October
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Land Owner
    United States Forest Service

Overview
Without any heartbreaking climbs, this loop allows you to get in the groove of a wonderful slice of PNW scenery. Mostly circumnavigating the namesake lake, the trail provides plenty of swimming opportunities and shots of Mt. Hood to the north. Bring a cooler full of food and drinks, and make a day out of your visit to this relaxing destination.

Route Details
There are many places to start this ride but The Cove campground is a common spot with a both a campground and a day use area. The trail is frequently ridden in the clockwise direction so you can get your legs warmed up while you enjoy views of the lake. While the southern shore, with its many campgrounds and put-ins, can seem a bit crowded when you start your ride, the crowds quickly melt away as you ply the singletrack along the northern shore.

For about five miles you’ll have the lake to your right as you navigate the trail. At the far northeast corner of the lake the trail forks: the segment that stays along the shoreline is part of the fabled Pacific Crest Trail, and is closed to bikes. No worries, you’re up for a more adventurous loop, anyway, so stay to the left onto Old 1916 Trail heading south. As you slowly pull away from the lake the trail takes on a more remote feeling, hemmed in by classic Pacific Northwest conifer forests. The relatively flat terrain of the shoreline also gives way to short climbs and descents, giving you an opportunity to alternately get your heart pumping on the ups and feeling the flow on the downs.

While still mostly out of view, once you pass the southeast corner of the lake you’ll cross a few forest roads (including the one you drove in on) and begin a circuitous route towards the southern shore. You’ll hop onto Miller Trail #534 and pass several campgrounds, including Clackamas Lake, Old Fork, and Gone Creek, giving you a chance to scope them out for your future camping trip.

Because you’ll most assuredly want to come back, and next time stay for a couple of days. Maybe ride the trail clockwise one day, and then counterclockwise the next. Perhaps bring the kids for a short trail outing in the morning followed by a swim in the afternoon. Whatever your next adventure to Timothy Lake, you can be sure it’ll be worth it, with Mt. Hood always standing watch from the north.

The popular Oregon Timber Trail uses part of the Timothy Lake loop.

Trail Supporters
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

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  • 0 rides
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6 Months
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All
  • 9 rides
  • Last: Jun 13, 2026
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Timothy Lake Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jun 15, 2026 @ 10:34pm (America/Vancouver)
Jun 15, 2026
 Trail is all clear, trees have been chainsawed out.
Jun 15, 2026 @ 12:18pm (America/Vancouver)
Jun 15, 2026
 Fun trail. Roots and debris. Large fallen tree at 45.10679,-121.788891. Can crawl under it with bike.
Jun 15, 2026 @ 8:19am (America/Vancouver)
Jun 15, 2026
 very nice out there right now! all clear
May 12, 2026 @ 6:41pm (America/Vancouver)
May 12, 2026
From the damn to the PCT the trail is clear and running great everything else (South and East side of lake) has MANY downed trees that need to be...
Jun 8, 2025 @ 2:59pm
Jun 8, 2025
 All blowdown has been cleared. Trail is in great shape all the way around the loop. Looks like some new signs have also been added to help navigate.
more »
Status:
on Jun 15, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 3.93 (9 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to timothy-lake trailhead (45.113300, -121.762510)

        Photos

        6 more »
        183 |
        Aug 4, 2019 @ 10:24am
        Aug 4, 2019
        259 |
        Aug 4, 2019 @ 10:24am
        Aug 4, 2019
        215 |
        Aug 4, 2019 @ 10:23am
        Aug 4, 2019
        212 |
        Jun 7, 2019 @ 1:53am
        Jun 7, 2019

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        7 Reviews & Comments


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        Frequently Asked Questions About Timothy Lake

        ▼ Where is Timothy Lake located?
        Timothy Lake is located in Mt. Hood Meadows, Oregon, United States. The trailhead is located at coordinates 45.1133, -121.76251.
        ▼ How hard is Timothy Lake?
        Timothy Lake is rated as Green difficulty. The physical rating is Easy. The average grade is 0.1%. The climb difficulty is rated Green.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Timothy Lake?
        Timothy Lake has 401 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 454 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 3,232 ft to 3,341 ft.
        ▼ Is Timothy Lake a point to point trail?
        Timothy Lake is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

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