Henry Hagg Lake Map: A Guide to the Beautiful Waters of Oregon
Well now, if y’all ever find yourself around Oregon, you gotta go see Henry Hagg Lake! It’s a big ol’ artificial lake sittin’ there in the northwest part of the state, right near Forest Grove. Don’t be fooled by its name, though, it’s not just a lake – it’s a whole area full of things to do and see. Folks come from all over to fish, hike, bike, and even just sit and relax by the water. Let me tell you a little more ’bout it, and I’ll throw in a map for ya too, so you don’t get lost while you’re out there.
First thing to know is, Henry Hagg Lake ain’t some small pond. It’s a big ol’ reservoir, holdin’ almost 60,000 acre-feet of water. That’s a whole lotta water, don’t ya think? It covers an area of about 1,113 acres, so you know it’s not just a quick stop. You could spend the whole day here if ya wanted to, takin’ in the sights and sounds. They use this water for things like irrigation and municipal water, so it ain’t just for lookin’ at – it’s doin’ some real good for the folks around here too.
The Trails Around Henry Hagg Lake
If you’re up for a little adventure, there’s a good trail that goes all the way around the lake. It’s about 13 miles long, give or take, and folks say it’s a moderate hike. Some parts can be a little tricky, but if ya take your time, you’ll make it fine. The loop trail is perfect for walkin’, runnin’, or ridin’ your bike if you’re into that sort of thing. You might even catch sight of some birds, or if you’re lucky, maybe even a deer or two. It’ll take you a good 4 to 5 hours to get around the whole lake, depending on how fast ya go. There’s a nice peaceful feel to it, so even though it’s popular, you can still find a bit of quiet if you go early or late in the day.
Now, if you ain’t much for hiking, don’t worry! There’s plenty of places to just relax. You can take a stroll along the shore, sit under a tree, or just watch the water flow. The lake’s got a few different spots to stop at, like the Elks Rec Area or Rainbow View, where you can have a picnic or just look at the view. If you’re into fishin’, this lake’s got that too – folks say it’s good for bass fishin’. So, bring your rod and try your luck!
Things You’ll Find Around the Lake
- Fishing Spots: Smallmouth bass, catfish, and other fish are in these waters. If you like fishin’, this is your spot.
- Hiking Trails: There’s a 13-mile loop trail that circles the lake. You can walk or bike it, and it’s a real nice way to spend a few hours.
- Picnic Areas: Places like the Elks Rec Area and Rainbow View are perfect for a good ol’ family picnic.
- Birdwatching: Plenty of birds live around here, so bring your binoculars if you like to watch the feathered friends.
- Peace and Quiet: Even though it’s a popular spot, you can still find some solitude, especially if you go in the early mornin’ or late afternoon.
Where is Henry Hagg Lake?
Now, if you’re wonderin’ where exactly you can find this place, it’s just south of Forest Grove, Oregon, about 5 miles outta town. It’s tucked away in the foothills of the Cascade Range, so the scenery is just gorgeous. The lake itself is an impoundment of Scoggins Creek, which means it’s got a lot of water flowin’ through it, makin’ it a pretty sight for folks to enjoy.
Getting there ain’t too hard either. If you’re comin’ from Portland, you just head on out southwest towards Forest Grove, and then you’ll find the turnoff to the lake. There’s a few different ways to get there, so don’t be shy to pull out your map and check it. Or, if you’re like me and don’t trust that newfangled GPS, just ask someone in town. People around here are real friendly and will point you in the right direction.
Other Fun Activities at Henry Hagg Lake
Aside from the fishin’, hike, and bike trails, there’s even more fun stuff to do. The lake’s got a disc golf course – yep, you heard me right, a disc golf course! It’s a fun way to spend a few hours with friends or family. There’s also a few more little spots around the lake, like Turtle and Meadows, where you can just sit back and relax. Some folks even bring their kayaks or canoes to paddle around the water. It’s all about gettin’ outside and enjoyin’ the fresh air.
There are a few things to know before ya go, though. The park does have a small fee for day use, but it ain’t too bad, and if you plan on visitin’ a lot, you can get yourself a season pass. That way, you can come back anytime you want without worryin’ ‘bout the fees.
Final Thoughts on Henry Hagg Lake
Tags: [Henry Hagg Lake, Oregon, hiking, fishing, Scoggins Creek, Forest Grove, reservoir, outdoor activities, bike trails, birdwatching, picnicking]
