Oh, let me tell ya about that Henry Hagg Lake, up there in Oregon. It’s a big ol’ artificial lake, right there in the northwest part of the state. Some folks call it Hagg Lake, for short. Now, this ain’t no tiny puddle, no sir! This lake holds almost 60,000 acre-feet of water, and it’s got a surface area of over 1,100 acres. That’s a whole lotta water, if you ask me!
Now, if you’re lookin’ to spend a day out in nature, this place is a real treat. They got this nice little loop trail around the lake, ‘bout 13 miles long. It ain’t too easy, but it ain’t too hard neither. Most folks take around 4 and a half hours to walk it all the way ’round, but if you’re quick on your feet, maybe you can do it faster. A lot of people go there to hike, bike, and even do some birdwatchin’. If you’re lucky, you might catch a quiet moment and not see another soul for a while.
Now, don’t think it’s all work and no play. There’s plenty to do besides walkin’ around. You can fish, they say there’s some good bass in the water, smallmouth bass, if you like that sorta thing. And if you like a little fun with some friends, they got a disc golf course out there too. Sounds fun, don’t it? You can bring the kids, or the grandkids, or just go out there by yourself and enjoy the peaceful quiet.
When you get to the park, they do charge a little bit for parking and using the place. It ain’t too much, just a few bucks for the day, but if you’re gonna go a lot, you might wanna get yourself a season pass. That’ll save ya some change, I reckon. And let me tell ya, it’s worth it! You can get right up close to the water and just sit there, watch the ripples, listen to the birds—oh, it’s real nice.
If you’re thinkin’ ’bout goin’ there, you might want to know that the lake’s actually an impoundment of Scoggins Creek. That means it ain’t a natural lake, but a reservoir. Folks built it back in the day, back in the 70s, to help with water storage and to provide a place for recreation. And let me tell ya, it’s turned into a real popular spot over the years. Even though it’s not natural, it sure feels like it when you’re out there.
Now, for those of you who don’t like the crowds, don’t you worry. There’s plenty of spots around that lake where you can get some peace and quiet, especially if you go early in the morning or later in the evening. It’s a real nice place to get away from it all, if you know what I mean. And if you’re lookin’ for some solitude, it’s not always packed, so you might just find a little corner of the lake all to yourself.
So, whether you’re takin’ a long hike, ridin’ your bike, or just sittin’ by the shore and enjoyin’ the view, Henry Hagg Lake’s got somethin’ for everyone. The water’s clear, the air’s fresh, and the whole place is just a real gem if you’re lookin’ to get away from the hustle and bustle. I reckon it’s one of the prettiest spots in Oregon, nestled right between the trees and the Cascade foothills. Ain’t nothin’ better than gettin’ out in nature and takin’ it all in.
And let’s not forget about the good folks who run the place. They’ve got all kinds of areas for different activities. They got Elks Rec Area, Rainbow View, South Shore, and even the Peninsula. Lots of spots to choose from, so you ain’t stuck in one place. There’s also a Turtle area, so maybe you can spot one of them slow creatures if you’re real lucky!
So, next time you’re in Oregon and you want a day out in nature, just head on over to Henry Hagg Lake. It’s a nice place, with plenty to do, and a whole lot of peace and quiet if you need it. Just don’t forget to bring your hat, your sunscreen, and maybe a snack or two. Ain’t no harm in being prepared!
Tags:[Henry Hagg Lake, Oregon, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, artificial lake, Scoggins Creek, nature trails, Portland, recreation, smallmouth bass, camping, disc golf, outdoor activities]