Length: 3 miles round trip Elevation Change: 300' gain then 500' loss Season: Late Spring thru Fall Difficulty: Moderate Permit: NW Forest Pass Required Features:
Veda Lake is an interesting little hike that comes in as Moderate due to the elevation
changes going in and climbing out. The name of the lake supposedly comes from the two
fellows that found the lake.... Vern and Dave. It is said that they used the first 2 letters of their
names to create the lake name.
The parking area at the trail head is quite large considering how difficult it is to get
to the parking area. If you drive a Sherman Tank or maybe, say, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle,
you might be able to get there with minimal damage to your vehicle.... otherwise, be
forewarned.... the road is BAD!
Once you arrive and park your now tried and tested vehicle, cross the minefield, I mean
road, and begin the hike. The trail gains elevation for the first third mile or so,
then levels off as you cross over the shoulder of Veda Butte. Now the trail descends
into the circ where the lake is located. As you descend you will have outstanding
views of the surrounding area, especially Mt Hood to the northeast, and of course Veda
Lake below you.
The lake is really quite a gem located out here in the middle of nowhere. It is a
truly nice hike and very rewarding regardless of the season. The spring with its
Rhododendrons, the summer with its lupines, and the fall with the red of the vine maples.
The parking area at the trail head is quite large considering how difficult it is to get
to the parking area. If you drive a Sherman Tank or maybe, say, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle,
you might be able to get there with minimal damage to your vehicle.... otherwise, be
forewarned.... the road is BAD!
