Lost Lake (OR): Motor & Boating Rules
Hood River County · near Hood River · managed by Oregon State Marine Board
- Gas outboard: NO
- Electric trolling: NO
- PWC / jet ski: NO
Quick answer
You cannot run any motor on Lost Lake — not even electric. Lost Lake in OR is closed to all boat motors, including electric trolling motors under Oregon State Marine Board regulations (verified July 14, 2026). The listing makes this Hood River County water paddle-only. Rowboats, kayaks, and float tubes remain welcome. Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Oregon State Marine Board before you launch.
Rules at a glance
| Restriction class | No Motors Allowed |
|---|---|
| Horsepower limit | n/a |
| Electric trolling motors | NO |
| Gas outboards | NO |
| PWC / jet skis | NO |
| Wake rule | None listed for Lost Lake |
| Hours rule | None listed for Lost Lake |
| Zones | All of Lost Lake, no zones listed |
| Managing body | State department of natural resources: Oregon State Marine Board |
| Official source | Oregon State Marine Board — oregonlegislature.gov |
| Last verified |
What this means in practice
Why do agencies zero out motors entirely? Usually the lake is small, shallow, or managed as quiet fishing water, where even trolling-motor wakes and noise change how it fishes. The payoff for you: flat water, no engine traffic, and fish that see less pressure.
Gear check before the drive to Lost Lake: paddles or oars, wearable PFDs for everyone aboard, and a whistle. If your boat has a motor bolted on, plan to remove it at home — showing up at the ramp with one invites a conversation with the officer even if it stays off.
Worth knowing about Lost Lake: ORS 830.180(1) table entry (Hood River County). The Hood River County local rule (OAR 250-020-0141) contains no electric-motor authorization for Lost Lake, so all motors including electric are prohibited under ORS 830.180(3). Do not confuse with Lost Lake in Linn County, which has a 10 mph limit under OAR 250-020-0240.
Common mistakes on No motors water
Arriving with the motor still bolted on. Even if you never start it, an attached motor can be treated as a violation here. Pull it at home, not at the ramp.
Confusing this lake with a nearby electric-only water. Same county, opposite answer for your trolling motor — check the exact lake name against the source before loading the truck.
Before you launch — verify
- The live rulebook is here: Oregon State Marine Board
- For edge cases — mounted-but-unused motors, tournaments, temporary orders — phone the Oregon State Marine Board office covering Hood River County.
- Our most recent source check for this page: .
Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Oregon State Marine Board before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Lost Lake?
No — and not just gas. The no-motor listing for Lost Lake covers every kind of mechanical propulsion. Verified July 14, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Lost Lake?
Electric doesn't get an exception here. The rule closes Lost Lake to every motor type, so plan a paddle-powered trip.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Lost Lake?
Jet skis are out on Lost Lake. The lake's motor rule leaves no room for personal watercraft.
Who enforces boating rules on Lost Lake?
Oregon State Marine Board (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on Lost Lake, with possible additional ordinances from Hood River County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for Lost Lake?
Use the official document linked in the Sources section of this page — it is what this summary is based on — or go to Oregon State Marine Board directly. We last verified this page against the source on July 14, 2026.
Sources
- Controlling document (state statute): Oregon State Marine Board — oregonlegislature.gov
- Published and enforced by: Oregon State Marine Board
- Date of our latest source check: