Timothy Lake

The lake is AWESOME and at night there are craw dads and so many stars! You can see Mt Hood hanging out nearby, and the surrounding forest is pretty cool, too. The hike around the lake is so nice, full of crazy picturesque vistas, and the trail is very well maintained and mostly flat. The beaches are really rocky (so many rocks) and I got a sunburn??? I didn’t even care though because it was so awesome. ¹⁰⁄₁₀

We came here while the campground was still closed. Parked out on the road and walked in. It was incredibly peaceful without campers and other people around.
The view of Mt. Hood is spectacular. I definitely see us coming back in summer for swimming and general lake fun.

This place is pretty great. The water and cites are clean and spacious, its not hard to find and the lake is quiet. There are many trails to explore and a lot if species of birds to watch for. As far as I could tell, there are no drive up cites so bring a cart with big wheels or a canoe would be better if you have one. I deducted one star because the trail that campers use to pack in and out their gear is also filled with joggers and bicyclists. Its just not wide enough for everyone to use without chance of injury. The second reason is the parking is scarce. They didn’t have enough spaces for campers and day use patrons. All and all, its a beautiful place to visit and camp.

My favorite lake in central Oregon! Usually I don’t write super enthusiastic reviews because that darn review filter catches those and thinks I’m like a business owner or something, but ASK ME HOW I CAN OWN A LAKE.
Anyway, I usually come to this place for the crayfish. I’m a really hardcore crayfisherman, and I come with lots of traps to catch the little critters. And I can say that this is one of THE best lakes in the area to do it. Practically the entire lake is rocky shoreline.
It also is a great place for natural beauty of the Cascades. Because of the lake’s size, it is easier to escape the crowds there than at the other, smaller lakes in the area.
I highly recommend it!

I really like Timothy Lake. Just spent a week there at Gone Creek Camp Grounds. I enjoy the clean, clear water. All the times I have been here the water has been calm. The lake becomes so calm, it’s like a pool. Fishing is great. Fish jumping out of the water. A fly rod would do well here I think. I like the Crayfish. I just left and can’t wait to go back.

Timothy Lake is a beautiful spot about 2 hours east of Portland, with plenty of campsites, day use areas and endless opportunities for getting out and in the water and trees and sun.
We’ve been camping there a few times, and my only complaint is the carelessness of people. In walking down to the lake from our secret spot (no I won’t tell you where), and then swimming in the lake, we have picked up too many abandoned cans, fishing line & hooks, cigarette butts, shotgun shells and just garbage. It’s not a big junk yard by any stretch of the imagination, but we don’t want it to become one either!
Come on, people. We are so lucky to have a place so beautiful so close to home. Don’t muck it up, mmkay?