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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail to Memaloose Lake is an easy uphill hike that is perfect for the whole family including the dog. It winds through a beautiful old growth forest with plenty of shade for those hot summer days. The trail crosses 3 or 4 small streams where your dog can get a drink even in the driest months. If you're hiking during the right time of year you can enjoy the huckleberries that are plentiful along the trail. Although the trail is generally in very good condition, there are a few areas that have lots of roots and rocks. These could make the trail a little difficult for all but the more experienced mountain biker. Once at the lake you will find many good camping areas if you'd like to spend the night. There are rough trails that lead part way around the lake in both directions. If you go around to the right and head over toward the rockfall area, you will see LOTS of salamanders swimming in the water. To the left you will find a marshy area. Trailhead: To get to the trailhead go east on State Hwy. 224. Go about 10 miles east of Estacada and turn right on Memaloose Rd., a one-lane paved road with lots of wide spots. You'll come to an intersection after about 3.5 miles. Go straight. About 7 miles from Hwy. 224 a road splits off to the left. Go to the right. When you are almost 11.5 miles from 224 turn right. The pavement ends, but the gravel road is in good condition. The trailhead is on the right about 1 mile past the end of the pavement. (Lat:45.09997 Lon:-122.21838) Trail Guides for Memaloose Lake Trail No. 515: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Mt. Hood National Forest; Estacada Ranger Station; (503) 630-8700 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rick Jacobson, who has posted 1 other hike on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by GK on 2/28/2008 Well, this would be a very great hike if you could reach the trailhead without having to attempt driving through the snow. Made it about 3.5 miles up the road when our Honda was stopped by a foot or more of the white stuff. There were many people armed to the teeth out there as well so kids and dogs shouldn't wonder very far. However the scenery is great. Will attempt again in the spring. 
Reviewed by Mike on 10/29/2007 This is a very nice little hike. The only problem is all the shooting ranges and trash on the way up the road to the trailhead, but other than that its a nice drive back in there. The trail is well maintained with a few difficult spots, but once you get to the lake you can see that it was well worth it. I went to the top of South Fork Mountain also which was a little more of a chore because the trail is not maintained very well so you've got to trek over fallen trees and some steep slippery switchbacks but once your at the top it's a good view of Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood. My wife and me had a good time and will probally do this one again
Reviewed by Larko on 8/13/2007 This review, unfortunately, has to be a 2-part affair. Part I covers the issues raised by xtinA... He's right, the drive up is horrible. We saw several shooting areas along FS45, and every one of them is absolutely covered in trash. Descipable. And I'm a pro-gun guy, but why the hell can't these people pick up after themselves? Part II is the good news. This was the perfect trip for my 9-year old daughter's first backpacking trip. Short enough not to become a drag, yet steep enough in places to give a little bit of a challenge. The lake is beautiful and warm, and catching salamanders became a favorite activity. After pitching our tent in a great spot, we hiked South Fork Mtn for great views of Hood and Jefferson. Incredible!
Reviewed by xtinA on 7/23/2007 So...nobody's mentioned that in order to get to the trailhead you have to drive up a road (FS 45) that has at least 12 illegal shooting ranges on it and piles of trash the gun weirdos have left including shot-up computers and vacuum cleaners. Every sign in the lower area has bullet holes in it and there's evidence of the same up the lake trail and on top of South Fork Mt. as well. We felt like we were in a Mad Max movie despite the lovely scenery. I sure as hell wouldn't take kids or dogs up there-who knows where a stry bullet could land?
Reviewed by xtinA on 7/23/2007 So...nobody's mentioned that in order to get to the trailhead you have to drive up a road (FS 45) that has at least 12 illegal shooting ranges on it and piles of trash the gun weirdos have left including shot-up computers and vacuum cleaners. Every sign in the lower area has bullet holes in it and there's evidence of the same up the lake trail and on top of South Fork Mt. as well. We felt like we were in a Mad Max movie despite the lovely scenery. I sure as hell wouldn't take kids or dogs up there-who knows where a stry bullet could land?
Reviewed by Danielle on 6/16/2007 My boyfriend has been dying to go see this lake. He is a wounderful GPS user that just so happned to see "Memaloose lake" on his GPS one day we were up their going around on the trails. Today was the day he decided to make this adventure. It was VERY foggy, wet and just kind of "yuk" to me. We hiked in with a fishing pole just in case, water, and general first aid things. You wouldn't know this lake was their if you didn't have a GPS or really good directions because the trail is NOT MARKED. The trees covered us very well from the rain, an unexperienced hiker like myself thought the grade was tough but, after a while I got use to it, the hard part was coming back down. I will deffiently be returning.
Reviewed by John on 9/17/2006 this afternoon's venture was an ideal walk with any dog or child. the trail is seemingly meticulously maintained. keep mindful of children--and smaller dogs--when wandering about the rock embankment at the lake. In the warm sunny afternoon, many a bathing reptile caught the eye of my golden retriever. Enjoy!
Reviewed by Pete on 9/2/2006 Beautiful hike. Easy enough for 4 and 6 year old with one stop on the way up. It was a little unclear from the directions that while parking is about 150 feet beyond the trailhead on the RIGHT, the trailhead - as you're driving on the gravel road - is the first thing you'll see on the LEFT. Be especially careful of yellowjackets at this time of year. They were very aggressive and tended to be near the muddy/swampy sections of the lake. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Clackamas County Hiking, Clackamas County Trails, Clackamas County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||