Takhlakh Lake Campground, Washington - Mount Adams

The single campground loop is nestled along the west side of the lake among tall conifers and huckleberry bushes. Takhlakh Lake campground offers postcard quality views across the lake of Mount Adams, towering at over 12,000 feet. Here you can explore the accessible(more difficult accessibility) 1.1 mile long Takhlakh Lake Loop Trail that encircles the lake, offering views, wildflowers, wildlife, and solitude. From the trail, you can also take a short hike up to Takh Takh Meadows which is a great family hike that explores the volcanic history which characterizes this area.

Takhlakh Lake campground offers 44 reservable sites as well as 10 walk-in tent sites. Facilities include pit toilets, garbage service, and fire rings. There is no potable water in the campground so be sure to bring plenty for drinking or a device to purify lake water.  RVers will find easy access for camping with many of the sites having ample parking.

Taklakh Lake has some of the most outstanding non-motorized quiet boating in the entire state.  Stunning views of the towering Mt. Adams make this a particularly special place.  Trout fishing is also popular in the area as well as mushroom and huckleberry picking in the late summer and fall.  A day use area with plenty of parking can be found near the entrance of the campground.  This area is high in elevation and roads are not maintained for winter travel.

How to Get to Taklakh Lake

From White Salmon it will take you roughly an hour and half to get to Taklakh Lake.  The drive from Portland is just shy of 3 hours.  Heading north from White Salmon take highway 141 towards Trout Lake.  At Trout Lake exit highway 141 by veering right onto Mt. Adams Road/ NF-23.  Follow this road as it turns into gravel past Tire Junction (you will see a big tractor tire in the middle of the road), Baby Shoe Pass and towards Taklakh Lake.  Signs will indicate your distance and turnoff to the lake.  Depending on the time of year the road may be rough.

Pros

• Some of the best views of Mt. Adams
• Well maintained campground
• Absolutely fabulous high cascade experience
• Remote area with less crowds than other popular mountain lakes

Cons

• No potable water
• High altitude means blistery cold nights
• Long drive on gravel road to access the campground

Things to Do

• Swimming, boating, fishing and hiking around Taklakh Lake are very popular.
• Explore other nearby lakes:  Chain of Lakes, Horseshoe Lake, Olallie Lake
• Checkout Langfield Falls in your drive in or out