Mirror Lake Trail is a 4.2-mile circular route in the vicinity of Government Camp, Oregon. The hike takes you to a glacial lake with stunning Mt. Hood views. It takes an average of 2 hours to finish this trail, and is often regarded as moderate to fairly difficult. Since backpacking, camping, and hiking are all fairly popular activities in this region, you can run into other people while doing your hike.
The months of May through October are ideal for hiking this trek but it remains open year-round. Dogs are permitted, but they must be leashed.
About Mirror Lake Trail
The trail begins at Hwy 26 at the Mirror Lake trailhead.
The 1.9 miles from the trailhead to the lake gains 460 feet at a steady, moderate climb. The trail surface is wider than average to the lake and once at the lake, hikers may enjoy a narrower, 0.5 mile lakeside trail.
From the southwest corner of the lake the trail continues 1.9 miles across the slope
and onto the ridge top of Tom Dick and Harry Mountain. This is a more difficult climb with a view of the Cascade Range and the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.
The upper section of the trail is much rougher and narrower, with the last 200 yards of trail being very steep and rocky to access a view point at the trail’s end.
This trail is also popular for winter recreation. Snowshoeing is allowed on the trail, but signage is not installed for winter recreation activities.
Route finding and navigational skills are highly recommended for winter recreation use.
Note: There’s a marshy area on the lake’s western shore. Here you’ll find wooden planks you can walk on to complete the loop. Cross these at your own risk they are unstable and can become submerged into the surrounding water as they aren’t properly anchored. This makes them like a seesaw when you place weight on them.
- Fees: $5 day pass or $30 Annual Northwest Forest Pass is required May 15 through Oct. 1.
- Elevation gain: 672 feet
- Amenities: Restroom & picnic area, information kiosk, bike racks, and trash receptacle.
- Open: Year-round but snows after October
Camping at Mirror Lake
A dozen spots are available at Mirror Lake for overnight camping but note that this is one of the most popular hikes around Mt. Hood so there’s no guarantee of finding a spot during peak season in the Summertime. That said, the great majority of hikers only go there during the day and then leave.
There are no facilities like picnic tables or toilets around the lake itself like there is near the parking and plaza area at the trailhead. There’s a few fire pits that have been fashioned out of rock and you may also find a makeshift bench.
It is surrounded on three sides by mountains and at night it is as peaceful as you could ever want. The views of Mt Hood and Tom Dick and Harry Mountain are all outstanding.
How to Get to Mirror Lake Trailhead (Map)
From Portland: Travel 27.5 miles east of Sandy on US Highway 26 then turn right into the Skibowl West/Mirror Lake Trailhead parking lot.
From Government Camp: Turn right (West) onto Hwy 26 from the west end of the Government Camp Loop Rd. The Mirror Lake Trailhead Parking Area is located on your left after traveling 0.4 miles west on Highway 26.
Parking at Mirror Lake Trailhead
The parking at Mirror lake trailhead has 49 parking spaces and the trail is located behind the restroom.
It does fill up quickly so it’s recommended to go early. If you need additional parking there’s some on the opposite side of the lot closer to the skibowl.
Fun Activities Near Mirror Lake Trailhead
If you are passing through the area or looking for fun things to do after your hike around mirror lake then you should check out the Skibowl. Mount Hood Skibowl is the closest mountain resort to Portland. The ski slopes in Mt. Hood Skibowl encompass an area of 960 acres and 69 different runs.
It actually has a range of activities to choose from in all seasons. In winter, you can find including night skiing, cosmic tubing, and luxury lodging while in the summer you can enjoy the alpine slide, zip line & go-karts.
And if you are looking for even more things to do check out our guide to day trips from Portland with tips and activities nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Mirror Lake trail is a 4.2-mile loop route in total. Online estimates that claim it is 1.9 miles refer to the distance from the trailhead to the lake only.
Mirror Lake trail is 54.8 miles from Portland or around 1 hr 10 min minutes driving time.
Yes, the water can be a bit chilly after summer but you can swim in the lake.
Yes, a permit is needed for Mirror Lake trail. You can purchase a $5 day pass online of you can buy/use an annual pass which costs $30. Both are honored at all Forest Service operated recreation sites in Washington and Oregon that require a day use fee.
Yes, Mirror Lake trail is open. It’s a year-round hike but it does get snow after October, so be prepared.