With trails traversing a serene lake, thick forest, and a bustling creek revealing the unusual Pothole Falls rock formations, this parks got it goin’ on.
Round Lake alone is a treat. Right off the main road, you can escape into a rich canopy of trees circling the quiet water. Kayak, fish, or post up at any of the benches and outlooks nestled along the shore with a good book and a packed lunch.
Or follow the path to the right of the lake which leads you to a cool industrial bridge structure - you’re crossing a fish screen! This screen divides the calm lake from the cascading Lacamas Creek, which bustles over rocky dips and dives then flows grandly down the small yet majestic Pothole Falls.
Depending on the water level you can explore the creek and the potholes - sometimes in solitude or, especially in summer, with a bunch of teens who leave their beer bottles floating in the pools of water *smh*. (People have also drowned among the potholes, which range from 3 - 13 feet deep. Be careful!)
If you follow the main path you’ll come to a rocky clearing looking out at the falls - this is a good time to admire the view then reenter the forest and continue one of the many forested trails! Frankly we found the map rather confusing so we’re not sure where we ended up (a nice pond?) before turning back and looping around the rest of Round Lake.
There’s an upper trail or a lake-hugging path - take the path hugging the lake! There’s less elevation to climb and, of course, more lake views!
Distance from Portland: 30 minutes / 20 miles
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