Hagg Lake Loop Hike

Overview

The 13-mile loop around Hagg Lake in Scoggins Valley Park is a hike of decent length close to civilization which can also be done in short stretches. While the trail stays close to the lake shore, it is not level; rather it undulates considerably through the Douglas-fir/oak woodlands of these low foothills. The trail tread can be very slick and muddy in places during the wet seasons, so boots rather than tennis shoes are the recommended footwear. On several occasions, the trail joins the loop road around the lake to cross creeks on road bridges, and there are a few picnic areas and parking lots to cross. However, most of the time you will be hiking in forest with frequent vistas of the lake and the heavily managed timberlands of the hills around. The lake itself has been in existence since 1975, when the dam was constructed across Scoggins Creek by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Water from the lake is used by four cities in Washington County and also to augment the flow of the Tualatin River. From spring through most of fall, the park is also a major recreation destination and can be very crowded on weekends. There is an entry fee between the second week in March to the weekend before Thanksgiving. In the off-season, most restrooms are closed and the drinking water supply is shut off, but this is the best time to hike here in order to avoid the recreating crowds. Note that there is a plan to raise the dam by 12 feet, which means water levels will also rise. Parts of the existing trail may be inundated and it is not clear what new trail construction will be needed. There is also a chance that this project may not go through because of costs related to seismic issues. A second option has been proposed to build another dam downstream from the current structure. The lake is named after Henry Hagg, a dairy farmer of the early 20th century who was also active in promoting the interests of agriculture. Walk north from the parking area along the guard rail next to West Shore Drive. Ignore trails leading down to t

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