Does Henry Hagg Lake Require a Parking Permit?

Learn about Does Henry Hagg Lake require a parking permit?

If you’re headed to the lake and wondering, “Does Henry Hagg Lake require a parking permit?” here’s the short version: yes. Scoggins Valley Park (home of Henry Hagg Lake) uses a day-use parking permit per vehicle. This guide explains how it works, what to expect, and local tips to make your visit easy.

Quick Answer

Yes. Henry Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park) requires a day-use parking permit per vehicle during open hours. You can buy a daily pass at on-site kiosks or purchase an annual Washington County Parks pass if you visit often. State Parks or Forest passes don’t apply here. Check Washington County Parks for current rates and hours.

What Does Henry Hagg Lake require a parking permit? Means

  • It’s a county park fee managed by Washington County Parks.
  • Every parked vehicle needs a valid day-use receipt or annual pass.
  • Buy at self-serve kiosks near the entrance and popular areas (boat ramps, major lots).
  • Pay-and-display: put the receipt on your dashboard.
  • The day-use permit covers parking/entry at the lake’s day-use areas and boat ramps.
  • Important: Oregon State Parks passes and Northwest Forest Passes are not accepted at Henry Hagg Lake.

Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon

Henry Hagg Lake sits just south of Forest Grove and a few minutes west of Gaston, making it a favorite for locals and weekend visitors from Hillsboro and Portland. Because nearby parks use different passes, people often ask if their existing pass works here. It doesn’t—Hagg Lake is county-run, so it has its own permit system.

  • From Forest Grove: about 10–15 minutes
  • From Hillsboro: about 25–35 minutes
  • From downtown Portland: about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic

What to Expect

  • At the gate/lot: Look for kiosks. Buy a daily permit (card accepted at most machines; some accept cash). Display the receipt on your dash.
  • Annual pass: Available from Washington County Parks; pays off if you visit multiple times per year.
  • Busy times: Summer weekends fill up near boat ramps and picnic areas. Arrive early to snag a spot.
  • Cell service: Patchy in spots around the lake—save maps, bring a card, and carry small bills just in case.
  • Seasonal realities:
    • Summer: Warm temps, more crowds, afternoon winds on the water.
    • Spring/Fall: Quieter, great for fishing and biking, occasional rain.
    • Winter: Calm days and low crowds but watch for storm-related closures or debris on roads.
  • Boaters: Your day-use permit covers the ramp, but you may also need an Oregon Aquatic Invasive Species Permit (check Oregon State Marine Board rules).
  • Anglers: Bring a valid ODFW fishing license.
  • Trails: The 13-mile loop trail is popular with hikers and mountain bikers; parking permit still required for the vehicle.

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • Bring your own pass: If you visit often, get the Washington County Parks annual pass.
  • Don’t rely on other passes: State Parks, NW Forest, or Metro passes won’t work at Hagg Lake.
  • Arrive early on summer weekends for Boat Ramp C, Sain Creek, and popular picnic shelters.
  • Have a backup lot in mind—there are many small lots around the shoreline.
  • Mind the hours: Day-use only; no overnight parking.
  • Leash your dog and pack out waste—this keeps beaches and trails clean.
  • Watch your speed on Scoggins Valley Road; it’s winding and patrolled.
  • Consider alternatives on peak days: Fernhill Wetlands (Forest Grove) or Rood Bridge Park (Hillsboro) for a fee-free picnic close by.

Best Local Resources

  • Washington County Parks — Scoggins Valley Park/Henry Hagg Lake: fees, hours, maps, and closures
  • Oregon State Marine Board — Aquatic Invasive Species Permits (for boaters)
  • ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife) — Fishing regulations and licenses

Frequently Asked Questions About Does Henry Hagg Lake require a parking permit?

  • Can I use my Oregon State Parks pass at Hagg Lake?

    • No. This is a Washington County park, so only the county’s day-use receipt or annual pass is valid.

  • How far is Henry Hagg Lake from Portland?

    • Typically 45–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic and your starting point.

  • What time of year is best to visit?

    • Summer for swimming and boating; spring/fall for fishing and quieter trails; winter for peaceful views (watch for storm closures).

  • Is it kid-friendly?

    • Yes. There are picnic shelters, swim areas, gentle shoreline spots, and paved areas near the ramps. Always supervise children near water.

  • If I bike in, do I need a permit?

    • If no vehicle is parked, you generally don’t need a parking permit. Any vehicle left in a lot must display a valid permit.

  • Is parking available?

    • Yes, but lots near ramps and picnic areas can fill on sunny weekends. Arrive early or try another lot around the lake.

Summary

  • Yes—Henry Hagg Lake requires a day-use parking permit per vehicle.
  • Buy a daily permit at kiosks or use a Washington County Parks annual pass.
  • State Parks and Forest passes aren’t valid here.
  • Arrive early on busy days, display your receipt, and check county updates for hours and closures.
  • Best Things to Do at Henry Hagg Lake (boating, swimming, fishing, and trails)
  • Family-Friendly Hikes Near Gaston (Hagg Lake loop, Fernhill Wetlands, Bald Peak)
  • Wineries Near Hagg Lake and Gaston (easy post-lake tasting stops)