Mirror Lake Trail #664

This trail is a two-mile hike from the plaza (Mirror Lake Trailhead) to Mirror Lake. If you would like to hike a loop around the lake, it's an additional 0.4 miles. The trail accesses Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. Views of Mt. Hood from a small backcountry lake are a big draw for this trail. Mirror Lake is a classic glacial cirque lake. The steep slopes south and southwest of Mirror Lake are the glacier cirque headwall. The trail to the lake is heavily visited and is pretty family friendly. Hiking beyond the lake up to Tom Dick and Harry Ridge and into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness is a more challenging hike with a view of the Cascade Range.

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, 0.4 mile lakeside trail. From the southwest corner of the lake the trail continues 1.8 miles across the slope and onto the ridge top of Tom Dick and Harry Mountain. 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 viewpoint at the trail’s end.

This trail is also popular for winter recreation. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are allowed on the trail, but signage is not yet installed for these winter recreation activities. Route finding and navigational skills are highly recommended for winter recreation use.

Mirror Lake Trail Map (PDF File)

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Winter recreation use: The trail does not have all blue diamonds installed (used for navigation and route marking on winter trails). Please be prepared and bring a GPS and/or strong navigational map and compass skills. This is mostly an issue when conditions are foggy or snowy, or when there is low visibility.
Fees:	$5/vehicle/day or valid Recreation Pass is required to park at trailhead May 15 through October 1. Sno-Park fees apply at trail November 1 through April 30.
Permit Info:	Oregon Sno-Park permit is required in designated sno-parks from November 1 through April 30. Permits are sold in DMV field offices and by permit sales agents at various locations like winter resorts, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets.
Restrictions:	Wilderness regulations apply within Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.
Closest Towns:	Government Camp, OR
Water:	No
Restroom:	Vault toilet (2)
Passes:	A valid Recreation Pass is required to park at Mirror Lake Trailhead from May 15 through October 1.
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Zigzag Ranger District: (503) 622-3191

General Information

Directions:

The trail begins at Hwy 26 at the Mirror Lake trailhead.

From Portland, OR – travel 27.5 miles east of Sandy on US Hwy. 26 and turn right into the Skibowl West/Mirror Lake Trailhead parking area.

From Government Camp: From the west end of the Government Camp Loop Rd. Turn right (West) onto Hwy. 26. Travel 0.4 miles West on Hwy. 26 to the Mirror Lake Trailhead Parking Area which will be on your left.

Parking:
Accessibility:

Plaza area and first 1/4 mile of trail is accessible.