By Amber Ford The Mountain Times
With summer in full swing in The Mt. Hood National Forest, many community members and neighbors in surrounding cities are taking to our local lakes and rivers for a chance to cool down. With over 150 lakes and at least nine rivers within The Mt. Hood National Forest, watersports enthusiasts and those looking for a quick dip have no shortage of options when it comes to cooling off. While most of the lakes seem calm and the rivers seem to only rage during heavy rain seasons, the dangers of our fresh water playgrounds can still be intense and lethal.
According to Mt. Hood National Forest public affairs officer Heather Ibsen, popular watering holes can offer refreshing enjoyment if practiced responsibly and safely. “Sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water will make your summer day much more enjoyable,” Ibsen said. “Carry life jackets – or better yet, wear them whenever you’re out on the water. A whistle can also be important if you end up unexpectedly in unsafe water. Also, dress properly for the water temperature, not just the air temperature,” Ibsen added.
While adhering to sensible water sport practices, one thing to also keep in mind when planning your trip The Mt. Hood National Forest’s lakes and rivers is the water temperature, which rarely spikes to “warm” throughout the summer. “One of the things people might not think about is how cold the water on Mt. Hood might be – especially in rivers during the first half of summer. Cold shock or hypothermia are possible even on hot days,” Ibsen said. “Another important safety item to remember is a classic: wear your life jacket, especially if you’ve got kids or folks who aren’t strong swimmers,” Ibsen added.
Although there are many lakes and rivers to choose from when visiting The Mt. Hood National Forest for summer fun, Ibsen explains that there are more popular and favorable ones then others. “Timothy Lake, Trillium Lake, and Lost Lake in particular are well-visited during the summer months,” Ibsen said. “ The Upper Clackamas River up Hwy. 224 also offers great Class III and sometimes Class IV whitewater rafting experiences,” Ibsen added. Most of these waterways are favorites for many boating and fishing activities and offer a wide variety for all sorts of sports water enthusiasts. “Most forest lakes only allow non-motorized watercraft, so kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are all popular,” Ibsen said. “Most lakes and rivers in the forest are also well-used by swimmers on hot days,” Ibsen added.
Fees are site-specific in certain areas within The Mt. Hood National Forest, so Ibsen encourages all lake and river visitors to visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/passes for more information. Life jackets, general knowledge of the area, acknowledging water temperatures and swimming in groups are all ways guests can safely enjoy the fresh water during warm days. Respecting your surroundings and the forest we all love will surely add fun and a memorable experience for many this summer season.