Oregon · Hiking

Russ Lake

0.7 mi
round trip
135 ft
climb
4,594 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Russ Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Clackamas River Ranger District. It doesn't name Russ Lake, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Clackamas River Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Russ Lake is an easy out-and-back hike in Oregon's Mt. Hood National Forest, within the Clackamas River Ranger District. It is a short walk of about 0.66 miles, with a low point of 4,478 feet and a high of 4,594 feet, and the trail is rated easy. The climb is steady, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.26 miles in, with a 10% grade. The Forest Service manages the land. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical July and August highs reach about 70°F with only four wet days a month, according to averages from the nearby Government Camp weather station, which sits roughly 600 feet lower, so temperatures on the trail run cooler. Winter brings highs in the mid-30s and rain on 20 or more days a month. The trip takes about half an hour, and Olallie Meadow campground is just 0.2 miles away. Lodgepole and the Olallie Butte Trail are both within about a mile, and the Clackamas River offers paddling about 5 miles off.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Russ Lake

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      37° / 26°

      20 wet

    2. Feb

      38° / 26°

      17 wet

    3. Mar

      41° / 28°

      20 wet

    4. Apr

      45° / 31°

      18 wet

    5. May

      54° / 36°

      15 wet

    6. Jun

      59° / 41°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      69° / 48°

      4 wet

    8. Aug

      70° / 48°

      4 wet

    9. Sep

      64° / 45°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      53° / 37°

      13 wet

    11. Nov

      42° / 30°

      18 wet

    12. Dec

      35° / 26°

      21 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Government Camp, OR, 30.7 mi away at 3,980 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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