Trillium Lake Day Use
Trillium Lake, one of the most iconic locations in Mt. Hood National Forest, is well-known for its scenery and abundant recreational opportunities. Trillium Lake Campground is also known for being a family-friendly place to camp in the summer.
Recreation: Boating, swimming, and fishing are popular on 63-acre Trillium Lake. A small boat ramp is available within the campground and a larger ramp is available in the day use area. An accessible fishing pier is also available. Anglers cast for a variety of trout. The 2-mile Trillium Lake Loop Trail circles the lake, and parts of it are accessible. Visitors also enjoy hiking and biking on other trails in the vicinity. Tours of the area's historical sites are also popular.
Natural Features: Located about 40 miles southeast of Portland at an elevation of 3,600'. Between December and May, the lake is accessible to skiers and snowshoers via the Trillium Sno-Park on Hwy. 26. Plan for a 4.4-mile round trip.
Fish your National Forests: A boat launch and fishing is also available from shore. The lake has trout and the following types of fishing are popular: Wade; shore; non-motorized boat; float tube; fly; spin; and bait. There is accessible (ADA) fishing available via the fishing pier and boat launch.
General Information
Trillium Lake Campground and Day Use Area is operated by a concessionaire, Alaska Recreational Management (ARM), under a special use permit issued by Mt. Hood National Forest. Visitors should expect to see ARM employees on the road to Trillium Lake collecting fees.
The day use fee for Trillium Lake Day Use is $10 and the only pass accepted is the $30 Annual Northwest Forest Pass.
Anticipated May 22, 2026 to December 1, 2026
Day use only: open sunrise to sunset
Dogs must be on a leash on the Trillium area ski trails.
The only recreation pass accepted in lieu of day use fee payment is the $30 Annual Northwest Forest Pass.
Day Use:
$10 per vehicle per day
Group Site: $72 per day
Trillium Amphitheater: $90 per day
*This site is operated by a concessionaire, Alaska Recreational Management.
Address: 70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049
Phone: 503-622-3191
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 45.27027778
Longitude: -121.7347222
Elevation
3,600 feet
Directions
From Portland, OR - Travel east on U.S. Hwy 26 for about 40 miles. Turn right 1 mile east of Government Camp on Forest Road 2656 (Trillium Lake Road). Continue 2 miles (past the campground turn-off) to the entrance day use picnic area or boat launch.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
**Trillium Lake Day Use does have restrooms available.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
