Laurance Lake
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes including this location:
- Laurance Lake Ridge Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.46012, -121.66153
- Elevation: 2920 feet
Description
Laurance Lake was created in 1969 when a rock and earth dam was constructed for the Middle Fork Irrigation District across the Clear Branch of the Hood River. The lake's average surface area is about 160 acres. Laurance Lake's principal sources of water are the Clear Branch and Pinnacle Creek. The lake is seasonally stocked with rainbow trout and also has a sensitive population of native bull trout. The lake is named after Sheldon Laurance, Chair of the Middle Fork Irrigation District. Laurance passed away shortly before the completion of the project.
The Kinnikinnick (Laurance Lake) Campground is here. There is also a day use area with restrooms, making it a handy stop for hikers on the road to the Elk Cove Trailhead and the Pinnacle Ridge Trailhead. The area is operated by a concessionaire, and there is a fee to park anywhere beyond the Clear Branch Dam (the Northwest Forest Pass is not accepted). The lake can be very busy on summer weekends: it is popular with fishermen and also as a family barbecue destination. Motorized boats are permitted on the lake (10 mph speed limit).
More Links
- Laurance Lake (Hood River) (Atlas of Oregon Lakes)
- Laurance Lake (Outdoor Project)
- "Laurance Lake: Cool, clear and full of fun" (Hood River News)
- Kinnikinnick (Laurance Lake) Campground (USFS)
- Kinnikinnick (Laurance Lake) Day Use Area (USFS)
- Kinnikinnick (Laurance Lake) Campground (Oregon Campgrounds)
- Laurance Lake a great place to fish (Oregon Fishing Forum)
Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)