The Mirror Lake Trail Oregon is a 4.1-mile trail in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness of Mount Hood National Forest. This beautiful trail features a crystal-clear lake and volcano views and is rated with moderate difficulty.
The Mirror Lake Trail offers visitors a chance to camp, hike, or trail run in the summertime and is perfect for snowshoeing in the winter. At the lake, reflections of Mount Hood glistening on of the aptly named Mirror Lake. For an added challenge, continue past Mirror Lake to Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain.
About Mirror Lake Trail
A popular destination during the summertime, the Mirror Lake Trail offers relatively easy access to one of the most beautiful lakes in Mount Hood National Forest. This trail is also popular for wintertime recreational activity as well, which is regulated by seasonal signage. At only 4.1 miles round trip, the Mirror Lake Trail is perfect for family outings, trail running, a short hike with a rewarding swim at the end during the summer, or an easy snowshoe during the winter.
On the way to Mirror Lake, pass through lush forests, cross babbling streams on footbridges, and relax into the beautiful sounds and smells of nature. In spring and early summer, be on the lookout for wildflowers. Rhododendron, Trillium, and Indian paintbrush are all early-season blooming flowers in Mount Hood National Forest.
For a more challenging hike, tack on a few additional miles and a thousand feet of elevation gain to conquer Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain. To access Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain, simply continue past Mirror Lake on the marked trail.
At the summit of Tom, Dick, & Harry, enjoy up-close views of Mount Hood, sweeping views of Mount Hood National Forest and, on clear days, views of other nearby volcanoes. On the best days, visitors can see Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount Saint Helens all in a row.
Accessing Mirror Lake
To access Mirror Lake, visitors must park at Ski Bowl, which is a half mile East of the trailhead on Highway 26 near Government Camp. Visitors must then walk a half mile along Highway 26 to get to the Mirror Lake trailhead.
Once at the trailhead, be sure to read the information and trail rules signage. Although dogs are allowed on the Mirror Lake Trail, owners are required to leash and pick up after their pets. There are also sometimes informational safety alerts on the sign so it’s important to always check.
Things to Do Nearby
Since the Mirror Lake Trail hike isn’t arduous, you might still have energy left for more hiking when the afternoon rolls around and you’ve had your fill of the gorgeous Mirror Lake. All around you, there will be more trails and creeks and hidden wonders to explore. Across Mt. Hood Highway, a little further west, you’ll find Little Zigzag Falls Trailhead, which will lead you to the lovely Zigzag Falls, which a picturesque place to while away the fading afternoon and take some photos as the golden hour falls over the mountain.
You’ll have passed through the small mountain community Government Camp on your way up to the Mirror Lake Trailhead. After your day at the lake, head into this cozy little community for some downtime! You can go shopping at Mt. Hood Outfitters if you’re in need of anything new for your trip, and then you can head into Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum, which is comprised of six different galleries. If you go on the last Saturday of the month around 7:00pm, you’ll be there for Social History Happy Hour.
Restaurants Nearby
A day filled with hiking and swimming always works up an appetite! You’ll want some good mountain food and drink both before and after your day out on the trails and the lake.
In the morning, before you head out on the trail, exit onto Government Camp Loop and head into the small community for a late breakfast at Galcier Haus Bistro. Here, you can get some delicious European-style food that will fuel you all day long. If you’re looking for something a little quicker and earlier in the morning, try High Mountain Bakery & Deli, which opens at 7:00am (earlier than any other eatery in Government Camp). Afterward, grab some fruit next door at Fruit Stand Johnny Bing. Jr for some healthy snacks to bring on your hike.
Later on, when you’re back and looking for somewhere cozy to settle in for dinner, you’ll have a few different options. If you want some mouthwatering homemade Mexican food with unrivaled salsa, head into Taco Shoppe. If you’re more in the mood for a pizza pub with a comfortable, laid-back, old-fashioned atmosphere, check out Ratskeller. The pizza, burgers, and soups here are to die for, and the friendly waitstaff will make you feel like one of the family.
Stay with Hood River Vacations
After a long day spent hiking in Mount Hood National Forest, return back to nearby Hood River, Oregon to rest and recharge. We offer a variety of different sizes and styles of homes to suit your needs.
Whether you’re looking to stay in a large home with views of Mount Hood and Mount Hood National Forest or a simple condo, we have lots of homes for you to choose from. Browse our available Hood River vacation homes today and book your next dream vacation home!
