HOOD RIVER, Ore. — A jolt of energy from new ownership is bringing some upgrades to Mount Hood’s classic resort at Lost Lake.
After 29 years of ownership, Roy and Barbara Hillmick winnowed through many would-be buyers and settled on Derek DeBorde and Jason Taylor of Hood River. Last year’s purchase price was $1.2 million.
With its postcard views of Mount Hood’s northwest face, Lost Lake at 3,140 feet has long been a camping magnet after the snow melts each spring.
From the placid waters of the lake, Mount Hood’s Sandy Glacier looks close enough to reach out and touch. According to the new owners, a boat with a motor has never been on the 240-acre lake, where only rowboats and paddle boats are allowed.
New owner Jason Taylor said the first order of business was to renovate seven cabins. Each will be decorated with a history theme, among them logging, ski racing and local family use of Lost Lake.
Cabins have no plumbing, so guests venture outside to toilet stations, the shower house and spigots. Bathrooms are available in the six lodge rooms above the store, two of which serve visitors with special needs.
The Forest Service campground, which the resort operates as a concessionaire, is across the marina from the resort. Visitors can bring their own boats, as long as they don’t have motors.
Another popular activity is walking the 3.5-mile lakeshore trail and laying claim to a secluded picnic spot.
Lost Lake is 25 miles southwest of Hood River. From Interstate 84 in Hood River, go southwest to the old mill site of Dee, then follow signed Forest Service roads to the resort. For more information call 541-386-6366 or see lostlakeresort.org.
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