Travel: Camping at Lost Lake with Oscar

Oscar is our dog. More specifically, he is our ten and a half-year-old dachshund that has been in my family since I was a senior in high school. He came to live with us in April, and we like to take him on adventures. My parents kept him at home mostly, thinking he was "just a lap dog" who liked to eat and didn't like to walk. We knew better. Oscar is an up-for-almost-anything kind of guy who likes to prove that just because he's short in stature, doesn't mean he's not capable of doing anything he wants to. 

Oscar in his comfy harness - ready for adventure. 

I had a friend's bachelorette party and two business meetings scheduled for this past weekend in Hood River, and since we haven't had the chance to go camping all summer, I suggested we combine my fun/work trip with a camping trip to Lost Lake, southwest of Hood River. Brandon jumped at the chance, we packed up our gear and Oscar and hit the road in the "sizzler" (that's our car's nickname, but more on that another time.

While I was bachelorette partying it up wine tasting around Hood River in a limo, Brandon and Oscar went to set up camp and explore Lost Lake.

This looks like a brochure picture, but its not. Brandon took it. 

No motorized boats are allowed on Lost Lake, which keeps things nice and quiet.

Tips for camping and hiking with dogs:

Bring a leash - especially for higher traffic trails and campsites. It's for your dogs own safety.

Bring bio-degradable baggies - There's nothing worse than dog owners that don't clean up after their pet, especially in public places.

Bring lots of water and a dish - Dogs get hot and thirsty and need (cool) water. Don't forget a water dish! When hiking, bring a portable dish.

Bring a life vest - Plan on swimming or taking your dog on a boat? Get a doggie life vest.

Also don't forget dog food, a blanket for the tent, and a towel for drying off wet dogs.

Busy lakefront.

 Serene lake as people headed home for the night. 

Lost Lake features several 'loops' of campsites. We camped on the 'F' loop which was closest to the lake. F-8 was a great spot with tons of privacy - you can't see any other campsites from this site and its down some stairs from the single parking spot. We loved it. 

Stairway that led down to our secluded camping spot.

The next morning, we woke up and went on a walk down the Old Growth Interpretive Trail located off of 'F' Loop. There are some really big old growth trees to see on this nice elevated trail. We didn't see anyone else on the trail, so it was a nice peaceful walk.

Interpretive Old Growth Trail on the 'F' Loop.

Oscar on a stump.

Love how the elevated trail wound through the old growth trees.

After our walk it was time for breakfast. I never like to make just plain anything. So instead of regular pancakes, we have "bubble water pancakes" aka pancakes made with sparkling water. It gives the pancake an airy quality.

Supplies for my bubble water pancakes: cooking spray, Snoqualmie Falls pancake mix, sparkling water, a bowl and a whisk.

 

It's bubbly!

Oscar sunned himself while I cooked breakfast.

Finished product, served with some Irish butter and my homemade strawberry jam.

Oscar lent a paw in taking down the tent.

Lost Lake Resort & Campground, End of Lost Lake Road, Hood River, OR 97031; (541) 386-6366

Open early May to late October. Campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. $7 per vehicle, tent sites $25 per night, 'F' loop sites $30 per night. Lodge rooms and cabin rentals available. Boat rentals also available.