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Vehicle access is affected by recreational gate closures on December 1 through April 1 annually. Closures may be impacted by weather and close earlier or open later. Please see our Roads Table for current information.
This is a very kid-friendly trail, as it's mostly level for the entire length. The trail goes around Trillium Lake and through Trillium Lake Campground and near Trillium Lake Day Use Area. There are great views of Mt. Hood along this trail. The trail crosses wetlands that provide bird watching opportunities. Its distance and easy terrain make it a great family hike, particularly for those with strollers or with limited mobility.
This trail was built to be barrier free. The trail surface is a combination of wooden boardwalk and very finely compacted rock. There are a few benches along the trail. The trail begins and ends at the Trillium Lake dam.
A portion of the boardwalk is closed due to the need to replace a section of rotting wood. Visitors may walk to either end of the closed section but it is not possible to walk all the way around the lake at this time. The boardwalks at Trillium Lake may be difficult for some people with mobility issues to navigate. Please use extra caution while crossing the boardwalks.
Winter: Trillium Lake Loop Trail is a 3.6-mile loop from the Trillium Access Hill. It's a 4.4-mile round trip from Trillium Sno-Park. The trail is popular and is mostly gentle terrain with a picturesque lake, meadow, and a view of Mt. Hood. The access trail is steep and it recommended that beginner and intermediate skiers walk down it. Dogs must on a leash on the Trillium area ski trails.
Summer: The 2-mile trail begins and ends on the east side of the dam at Trillium Lake Campground.
Trail Description and Map (.pdf)
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Currently a portion of the boardwalk, on the north end of the lake, is closed due to a replacement project. Estimated completion is 2023. Visitors may walk to either end of the closed section but it is not possible to walk all the way around the lake at this time. |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | A State of Oregon Sno-Park permit is required November 1 through April 30 at Trillium Lake. There is no formal trail fee, but a $3 donation is recommended. Donations pay for the trail to be groomed for winter recreation use. |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: | Dogs must be on a leash on the Trillium area ski trails. |
| Closest Towns: | Government Camp, OR |
| Passes: | Trillium Lake is a concession-operated Forest Service day use site that charges a $5 fee from May 15 through October 1.
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| Operated By: | Trail System operated by Forest Service and groomed by citizen volunteers |
| Information Center: | Zigzag Ranger District: (503) 622-3191 |
General Information
Directions:From Portland, OR - travel 31 miles east of Sandy on US Hwy 26 and turn south on Trillium Lake Loop Road (Forest Road 2656) (across from the Snow Bunny Snopark). Take Trillium Lake Loop Road (Forest Road 2656) for 2.5 miles, passing Trillium Lake Campground and Day Use Area turns. The road will bear right and go down to the lake’s dam. Parking is just before the dam. The trail starts at either end of the dam.
Accessibility:
This trail was built to be barrier free. The trail surface is a combination of wooden boardwalk and very finely compacted rock. There are a few benches along the trail. The trail begins and ends at the Trillium Lake dam.