Well now, if you’re lookin’ for a place to stretch your legs and see somethin’ beautiful, you oughta try Henry Hagg Lake. It’s out there in the northwest part of Oregon, near a little town called Gaston. They say it’s an artificial lake, but it sure looks real nice, especially with all that water and them hills ’round it.
So, this Hagg Lake, it’s got a big ol’ trail that runs ‘round it, all the way ‘bout 13.6 miles. That’s a good long walk if you ask me, but you can take your time. The path is easy enough for most folks, though it’s not too simple for them youngins who like to rush. It’ll take ya ‘round 4 hours or so if you’re walkin’ steady, and you’ll see all sorts of things along the way. There’s the lake, of course, and the meadows, and the woods. Some parts you’ll be walkin’ along the water, and other parts you’ll be passin’ through shady spots where the trees cover you right up. Ain’t nothin’ like it when the sun shines down through the leaves.
Now, if you’re the type who likes to sit and think, you can enjoy the peaceful quiet here. It’s one of those places where you can go birdwatchin’ or just sit by the water and relax. The lake’s good for fishin’, too, so if you got a pole, you might want to bring it along. I reckon you’ll catch a few fish if you’re lucky.
The park’s got all kinds of things, too. They got picnic spots, and some places where you can launch a boat if you’re into that sort of thing. If you ain’t much for walkin’, you can always find a spot to sit and enjoy the view. There’s even a trail for folks who like to bike, though, I tell ya, some of them hills might make ya work up a sweat!
If you like a bit of adventure, you can go see the Henry Hagg Lake from a higher spot on the Peninsula, which gives you a real nice view of the whole lake. Or you can try the Elks Rec Area, Rainbow View, and South Shore. There’s plenty of ways to get around the lake and see the sights. Folks who live around here know about all them spots, and I bet you’ll find somethin’ special, no matter where you end up.
The lake itself is pretty big, ’bout 1,100 acres of water, and it’s surrounded by the Scoggins Valley Park. You can find plenty of good spots for a picnic, and it’s a nice place for a family day out. You can bring your kids, your dog, or whoever else you got with you. Just make sure to pack some snacks ’cause you might get hungry walkin’ all that way.
And if you’re a hiker, like I said before, there’s a big loop trail that’ll keep your legs movin’. They got different trailheads to start from, so you can pick whichever one suits ya best. Some folks start out at the Meadows, and others at Turtle or Gandalfs, but it don’t matter much as long as you get out there and start walkin’. It’s a nice peaceful walk and you’ll see all sorts of critters, from birds to maybe a deer or two if you’re quiet enough. But don’t get too close to the water, or you might end up fallin’ in! It can get slippery near the shore, so mind your step.
All in all, if you ever get a chance to head out to Henry Hagg Lake, I’d say you should go. Whether you’re walkin’, fishin’, or just sittin’ and enjoyin’ the view, it’s a real fine place to be. It ain’t too far from Portland, so if you’re in that neck of the woods, it’s worth a trip. Just make sure you take plenty of water, maybe some snacks, and be ready to enjoy a good ol’ nature day.
Tags：[Henry Hagg Lake, Oregon, Gaston, Scoggins Valley Park, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, trail, hiking trails, outdoor activities, artificial lake, Peninsula, boat launch, picnic, nature]
