Timothy Lake, body of water
Timothy Lake is a large reservoir near Mount Hood in Oregon, surrounded by forested hills and conifer trees that extend to the water's edge. The lake covers approximately 1300 acres and offers multiple campsites, picnic areas, and a trail system that circles the entire shoreline.
The lake was created in 1956 when Portland General Electric built a dam to control water flow for hydroelectric power generation. This development transformed the landscape permanently and created a new recreation and water storage hub for the surrounding communities.
The lake's name comes from a meadow where shepherds once grew timothy grass for their flocks. This name preserves a memory of the area's farming past, even though the original meadow now lies beneath the water.
The lake sits at an elevation above 3200 feet and offers access to hiking, fishing, boating, and camping, with visitors required to pay a day-use fee or use a Northwest Forest Pass. Late summer and fall are ideal times to visit when weather is comfortable and facilities are fully operational.
The lake overlaps with the Pacific Crest Trail, a famous long-distance hiking route that runs from Mexico to Canada, allowing hikers to experience both the local lake loop and a section of this legendary trail. This connection makes Timothy Lake a unique meeting point for long-distance hikers and local visitors.
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