Lost River Pool is a natural lake formed by a massive rockslide on the Lost River in Oregon. The pool spans approximately 1/4 mile and is surrounded by impressive bedrock walls and steep canyon terrain. The lake sits in a remote section of river, several miles from the nearest trail in wilderness terrain.

The pool is primarily accessed as part of multi-day whitewater kayaking expeditions down the Lost River. There is no direct road access - reaching the pool requires a challenging hike carrying boats through unmaintained trails and talus slopes. The standard access route follows the Billy Goat trailhead via West Chewuch Road and FR 5130, then hiking to Eightmile Pass and down to Drake Creek before reaching the river.

A prime camping spot exists on an island at the head of the pool, offering exceptional views of the surrounding geology. Below the pool's outlet, Auburn Creek enters from the left as the river makes a hard bend right. The outlet features a mandatory Class V+ rapid that most parties portage through a boulder field, with a 70-foot elevation drop.

The pool sits within a dramatic canyon landscape characterized by bedrock walls, pink granite cliffs, and a massive dam-forming debris slide. The setting is extremely remote, being several miles from any maintained trails in the Pasayten Wilderness.

Safety Considerations: - No easy escape routes from the canyon - Remote location with no quick access to emergency services - Mandatory portage at lake outlet requires careful navigation through boulder field - Canyon walls rise thousands of feet, making emergency evacuation extremely difficult - Should only be attempted by expert paddlers as part of a properly equipped group

The pool is generally accessed during summer months when river flows are moderate. Paddlers should carefully monitor weather forecasts and avoid periods of high water or rising flows. The dramatic canyon setting and wilderness character make this a memorable destination, but one that demands serious preparation and technical paddling skills.

This is not a destination for casual recreational paddling - it should only be attempted as part of a multi-day river expedition by skilled whitewater kayakers prepared for wilderness travel and challenging conditions.