Every Boat Ramp on Timothy Lake

About Timothy Lake

Timothy Lake is a 1,400-acre alpine reservoir set at 3,200 feet elevation in the Mt. Hood National Forest, offering one of the most scenic fishing experiences in Clackamas County. With 14 miles of shoreline backed by old-growth forest and views of Mt. Hood's snow-capped peak, this mountain lake reaches depths of 68 feet and provides cold, clear water that supports a thriving trout fishery throughout the summer season. The lake is accessible from Government Camp and Welches via Forest Service roads that wind through pristine Cascade wilderness.

Rainbow Trout are the most abundant gamefish in Timothy Lake, with generous stockings from ODFW supplementing natural reproduction to create excellent catch rates for trollers, fly anglers, and bait fishermen. Kokanee Salmon provide additional excitement for trollers working the deeper water with small wedding-ring spinners and corn. Brook Trout and native Cutthroat Trout inhabit the inlet streams and shallower portions of the lake, offering fly fishers the chance to catch beautifully colored wild fish in a high-mountain setting.

Several Forest Service campgrounds ring the lake, including popular sites at Gone Creek, Hood View, and Meditation Point, all of which provide boat launch access. The lake is well suited to small boats, canoes, and kayaks, with a 10 mph speed limit maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you are trolling for Rainbow Trout past the timbered islands, fly fishing the inlet streams for wild Brook Trout, or simply enjoying a quiet paddle with a fishing rod on a clear mountain morning, Timothy Lake is a Mt. Hood area gem that rewards every visit.

Nearest towns: Government Camp, Welches