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Mirror Lake Trail #664
This trail is a two-mile hike from the plaza/Mirror Lake Trailhead to Mirror Lake. Hiking the loop around the lake is an additional 0.4 miles. The trail accesses Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. A big draw for this trail is the view of Mt. Hood from a small backcountry lake.
Mirror Lake is a classic glacial cirque lake. A cirque is an amphitheater-like valley formed by glacial erosion. The steep slopes south and southwest of Mirror Lake are the glacier cirque headwall.
The trail to the lake is heavily visited and 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.
Winter recreation use: This trail is popular for winter recreation, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Signage/blue diamonds are not installed for these winter recreation activities. Please be prepared and bring a GPS and/or strong navigational map & compass skills.
Mirror Lake Trail Map (PDF File)
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | May 2024: Bridge failure on Mirror Lake Loop Trail. This will impact only the loop hike and not the hike to the lake. The bridge, located at the final stream crossing on the loop trail (traveling counter-clockwise) was removed for visitor safety. Due to other priorities, the bridge will not be repaired in this year. |
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| Fees: |
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| 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. |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply within Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. Please practice leave no trace principles - pack out everything you packed in! |
| 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 1 through October 31. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Zigzag Ranger District |
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.
Activities
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Picnicking
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Alerts & Warnings
- Sandstone Fire closure on Clackamas River RD
- Whisky Creek Fire closures; includes PCT detour
- Sno-Park Permits required Nov. 1 thru Apr. 30
- Summit Rest Area closing for improvements Sept. 4 to 24
- Dog River Trailhead temporary closure
- Roadwork may impact Lake Harriet access this summer
- Bridge closures on the Barlow Road