Hike the Mirror Lake trail.

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Distance: 4.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 650 feet.

Mirror Lake is one of the most popular destinations for day-hikers in the Mt Hood National Forest. The beautiful lake sits in a small basin high on the slopes of Tom Dick and Harry Mountain and the views across the lake to towering Mt Hood are stunning. Because this hike is one of just a few accessible directly off of Highway 26, it can get super crowded during summer weekends. But the crowds are there for a reason, as this lake is magical.

Begin your hike from the Mirror Lake Trailhead located just to the west of the Ski Bowl West parking lot. As you leave the trailhead, you will first march down a series of switchbacks towards Camp Creek. The Forest Service moved the trailhead to its current location in 2018 to lessen congestion along the highway, and first mile of the new trail is wide and pleasant. There are also 9 beautiful new bridges to cross during the first mile or so, helping to keep things interesting as you trudge through the forest.

The trail is relatively level for the first mile or so, following that initial decent down to Camp Creek. There will be some slight ups and downs as you traverse the hillside, but nothing crazy. The thick canopy of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and red cedar will cast a pleasant green glow along the trail.

At the 1.1 mile mark, you will reach the intersection with the old trail (but probably won’t know it. It has been closed off and covered in downed trees), and things will start to get a little more challenging. The trail takes a hard turn to the left and begins to steeply climb to the lake. You will ascend over 400 feet in less than a mile. The trail also narrows up considerably here and will begin to switchback up the mountainside.

At the 1.8 mile point, you will reach the junction with the Mirror Lake Loop Trail. You don’t need to hike around the lake to get the best views, but it’s a short loop and you’ve come all this way, so why not march around it. Head to the left and head over another footbridge and then find yourself along the lakeshore. Dense alders and willows make along the east shore or the lake make views or access difficult, but there are better spots ahead.

As you make your way around the lake, there will be some small trails dropping down to the lakeshore through the trees. Keep heading around the lake for the best views though. As you reach the western shore you will find yourself entering a marshy area with wooden planks along the ground. During the early summer, the lake can get pretty full and these planks may be slightly underwater, just so your shoes have adequate warning. Just before the marsh, look for a break in the trees to get some amazing views of Mt Hood. There are some more great views within the marshy area as well.

The loop is only half a mile around and once you have found yourself at the perfect lunch spot on the west side of the lake, you will have almost completed it. When you are ready to head back, follow the trail up into the trees and you will quickly come to another trail junction. Heading left will take you all the way up Tom Dick and Harry Mountain. So head right, march past some camping spots along the lake, and find yourself back at the beginning of the loop in a tenth of a mile. From here, it is a simple matter of retracing your steps back to the trailhead.

Directions

The Mirror Lake Trailhead is located right off of Highway 26, just west of Government Camp. If you’re coming from Portland, take Highway 26 for about 37 miles past Palmquist Road when leaving Gresham. Look for the turnoff for Ski Bowl West. The trailhead is located on the west end of the parking area.

If you are coming from the east, take Highway 26 for 64 miles past Madras. Continue past the Government Camp Rest Area for 2 miles, watching for the Ski Bowl West turnoff on your left. You will want the second entrance into the Ski Bowl West for the fastest access into the trailhead. Or you could drive through their parking lot too, if you take the first one. Not the end of the world with either decision.