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    Mirror Lake Trail

    4.3 (38 reviews)

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    Mount Hood seen across Mirror Lake
    Deena J.

    This is an awesome medium difficulty hike, and i LOVE a hike with a view! The trail is maintained very well, even in the steeper sections. It's 2 miles up, totaling it to be about 4 miles total. There are steep sections on the trail, but definitely worth checking out if it is within your skill set!

    Jack H.

    There is no shortage of beautiful hikes in Portland and the surrounding areas, even if it's hiking through the snow in low 40s for four mile r/t to reach the mirror lake. Parking is limited in the national forest lot, but it's adjacent to the ski lodge, so you can park there for seven dollars per day. The trail head has a small restroom for those needing a bio break. The entirety of the hike involves hiking through packed snow (in May) and the trail is navigable if you just follow the footprints of the other hikers. It could be slippery and chilly, so wear grippy shoes (we encountered many hikers that used snow shoes and poles) but we managed fine with hiking shoes. Also bring warm clothes as it is cold, even though we were constantly moving. The reward, a frozen over mirror lake that is just stunning! People and dogs were roaming on the lake surface and enjoying a good time. Personally, not having too much experience, I opted to just look afar in case there are sections of the ice that's thin. Stunning view and would visit again!

    A flower along the trail.
    Jim W.

    Maybe I failed to read enough review ahead of time but the trail route was not what I was expecting. We drove here after a side-trip up to Timberline Lodge. The trailhead is located on the Highway 26. They have a fairly large parking lot and it had plenty of space when we arrived - around 4 p.m. on a Friday. You have to pay to park here (via a website on your phone) or it is free if you have some sort of state or national park pass. I think we paid $5. My wife was very unimpressed with the cleanliness of the restrooms at the trailhead. I was under the impression that the trailhead was close to the lake, and that the hike around the lake was 1 - 2 miles. However, in actuality, there was a 1.9-mile hike just to get to the lake, and then you could hike around it. We still had over an hour's drive to get back to Portland after the hike, so we debated how long we all wanted to spend here. We eventually decided to do a leisurely hike in for 20+ minutes and then turn around at some point and hike back. That would give us a 2+ mile hike, which was sufficient for our time slot. The part of the trail we did hike was quite nice. There was a lot of shade, with occasional bridges over a creek and a few wildflowers. We saw people returning on the trail every 5 minutes or so - it is not desolate. The hike was relaxing and pretty. If we returned to Mt. Hood, I would allocate more time and do this hike justice.

    Stephanie J.

    The Mirror Lake Trail is a moderate 4.2 mile hike in Mount Hood National Forest. The trail loops around the lake where you can see Mount Hood and it's reflection. There were only a few spots where we could get really good pictures so it can be a pain if it's crowded. I recommend turning around instead of walking through all of the brush on two pieces of wood. If you want a lake view and to see Mount Hood, I recommend Trillium Lake instead.

    Top of Tom, Dick and Harry
    Jennifer M.

    HIKERS Unite! Before I leave my review I wish to give you a "cautionary tale " of what can happen on the Tom Dick and Harry trail. First, it is quite rocky and a lot of tree roots that can sneak up on you and try to trip you up. In our case, it did trip one of us (even with walking sticks) and she fell and broke her wrist. Hikers stopped to help and she was fitted with a splint made with two sticks, hikers sleeves, and a sling made out of my sweatshirt. One Hiker visiting (from BC) for only one day, spent 3 hours helping us get down the hill, step by slow step. We had two other hikers follow behind us as our cheering team all the way back to the trailhead. Not to mention all of the help with offers of food, water, OTC pain meds, phones, etc from so many going up the trail. Thanks to all of you. Although the view at the top was breathtaking, nothing compared to the beauty of the people hiking that day! We will never forget you. And one last thing, the doctors at Kaiser (including the 2 orthopedic surgeons) were incredibly impressed with the work that was done up on that narrow little trail! As for the hike itself, the Mirror Lake portion was lovely. Lots of bridges and switchbacks, waterfalls and the lake. Had to venture out over some rickety planks to get the shot I wanted. Good thing I was wearing hiking sandals because I did get wet. The trail up the Tom, Dick and Harry is worth it. We loved the view! We could see all 5 mountains from there! Just be careful on your way back down!

    Hood from Tom, Dick, and Harry Ridge
    Andrew H.

    This is one of the most popular hikes in the Mt Hood area, and for good reason. You used to have to park on the side of the road, and it was kind of sketchy. Now, they've built a very nice trail head parking lot. A word of warning: DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES in your car. There was lots of broken window glass when we were here. Don't let it be you! You will sometimes here this hike being called: Tom, Dick, and Harry Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain Tom, Dick, and Harry Ridge TDH Ridge (cool kids) TDH Mountain (semi-cool kids) It's split into tow parts. First part: Mirror Lake You hike to the most unoriginally-named lake in the US (tied with hundreds of others). The reflection of Hood though? I'd say it's just OK. The real value is in going up the ridge. There are campsites near the lake. But please, DO NOT camp within 100 ft of the lake, it's the law of the outdoors. Second Part: TDH Ridge Keep going past the lake and you'll gain a rock ridge. Keep taking this up and eventually you'll be out of the trees and be treated to stunning views of Mt Hood. If you know where to look you'll also be able to see: Mt Jefferson (2nd tallest mountain in Oregon), Mt Adams, Mt St Helens, and Mt Rainier. You can actually see most everything you can see from Mt Hood...with about 1/10th the effort. This also makes a great winter snow shoe. In fact, it's so damn popular in the winter that you might not even need snow shoes. There's often a pretty prominent boot-pack. One of the best shots of Hood is in the winter, at sunrise, from TDH ridge, with the pink alpenglow on the mountain.

    Kim R.

    Finally got to take this hike this March, and it did not disappoint. Even though the snow compacted trail is narrow in the winter, it was fairly easy to traverse with our hiking boots. In the winter time with snowy trees and grounds we found it to be just gorgeous. I smiled so much my face hurt. There were a couple tricky spots as you climb to the lake, but it was still easily doable carrying our small dog. And although snow clouds prohibited a view of the Hood's peak at the top, the setting at the lake was stunning. I definitely recommend the hike in the snow, and am looking forward to doing again this summer for a new experience!

    Enjoying the trail in December!
    Cindy C.

    The Mr and I did a road trip to Mount Hood to play in snow but our first stop was Mirror Lake Trail. There were a decent number of folks there with their adorable dogs. Although we only made it 3/4 of the way to the actual lake, it was still an easy and beautiful hike. It was so enjoyable, we went back once more before leaving Colorado.

    Tyra L.

    This is a nice, pretty easy hike. The beginning is paved, then it is dirt with a couple patches of gravel and a few wooden bridges the rest of the way. We were there in late fall so the trail was pretty muddy with some spots we had to try to get around to prevent freezing feet. At the top - the banks of the lake a pretty beaten down and muddy from hikers. You also might find scraps of toilet paper left in sight of the trail or around the campground. Pretty gross and disrespectful if you ask me. I realize your TP might be biodegradable but at least don't leave it where others can see it.

    View of the tip of Mount Hood from the parking lot
    Andrea U.

    The trails are in Mount Hood National Park. There are restrooms, picnic tables & garbage cans. We parked in the small lot right off the highway and walked down the trail waiting to see the lake. We realized the hike is 1.8 miles down so we're going to have to walk the same miles up hill and will pass. Wish we realized before we pulled off.

    Anne S.

    Great trail but wanted to leave an honest review for those who don't know what to expect: the Internet said it was 2 miles total; it was 2 miles one way. It was not "easy" and required lots of uphill walking on unpaved ground, of course. We couldn't see Mt Hood because of the fog, which is okay. When you finally get to the top, go straight to Tom Dick and Harry Mtn or whatever and don't take a left to the Mirror Lake trail unless you want to walk .5 mile further AROUND the lake. I just finished the trail and did not do the loop: 5 miles and 87 flights of stairs. 13k steps.

    Quinn A.

    Great short hike. Easy point 5 on the way in. Super easy around the lake and back out. Lots of tree cover, birds flowers. Spaces for camping and swimming, as you can see from my photos. Holding back a star for limited parking and the crowds. At least nobody was blasting music. I'd try this again at the break of dawn in bad weather. Just to lower the odds of there being a lot of other people.

    Chen Z.

    Mirror lake, trail head was pretty easy to find. Parking didn't seem like a hassle. The trail was short. It was about 15-20 minutes to the lake. There was a split midway at the trail, left or right it all leads to the same place. At the top there is a good view of Mt Hood. What Mirror lake was suppose to represent the reflection of the mountain on a calm non-cloudy, non-windy day. The day that we went it was slightly windy so the lake didn't have a good reflection. The tip of Mt Hood was cloudy and you couldn't get a good view of the mountain. The trail itself was pretty simple.

    It was a bit windy so the reflection was not ideally mirror-y. Beautiful anyway.

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    7 years ago

    Great nature walk and hike with scenic rewards and photo ops. Crowded late in the day on weekends, parking an issue at that time as well.

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    Ask the Community - Mirror Lake Trail

    Hello, Does anyone know how long it takes to hike the Tom, Dick, Harry trail? It looks like it is about 6 miles but I wasnt sure how much the terrain slows you down?

    About 2-3 hours depending on your speed, but I'm not an avid hiker or even an athlete, and I had a party of 5 with one person aged 62 and one person aged 71

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Mirror Lake Trail

    Mirror lake is beautiful, but agree with others that the Tom Dick and Harry ridge is spectacular.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Mt Hood Summit - Road to Mt. Hood

    Mt Hood Summit

    (37 reviews)

    Mt. Hood is no doubt a magnificent sight. I have been wanting to visit the mountain for over a…read moredecade now and I was so glad I finally did. I was pleased, being June, that there was still plenty of snow on the mountain. Reaching 11, 250 feet I should not be surprised. Also, the temperature during my visit was very comfortable reaching the high 50's at the base of the mountain. It was perfect for meandering around and soaking in the awesome view. This mountain is definitely worth visiting if you are an enthusiast of geological formations or adventures.

    Most of what I've written about the people that taught me to climb:…read morehttps://www.yelp.com/biz/mazamas-portland Also applies to the *place* where I learned to climb. This is a really special mountain to me. It's not just "The Mountain" that I brag to all my friends back East about: "Portland is only an hour form the mountain!" It's a second home. It's where I learned to not trip on my crampons and get used to cold hands and even colder toes. It's where I learned that an Acura TL can make it up the mountain in a blizzard, as long as you have the grit to chain-up in Government Camp. It's where I almost lost people. It's where I made new friends. It's where I hung out with ravens on the summit. It's where I nearly threw up from noxious sulfur fumes. It's where I witnessed rescue efforts. It's where I learned to shoot the stars. It's where I taught others climbing knots. It's where I spent a lot of time alone, at 2am, wondering why I wasn't closing down a bar in Portland. It's where I saw the alpenglow creep over the horizon at 5am and realized all the suffering was worth it.

    White River West Sno Park - You can sled all along this long this ridge as you head NW up the road

    White River West Sno Park

    (9 reviews)

    Great snow park for snow sledding, sliding, and tubing. Also there are several hiking trails…read morenearby. It's a much larger parking lot and park than snowbunny. Although it's ~10 minutes further away from government camp than snow bunny, it's likely worth it to go since there are usually fewer people and less crowded. The easiest & most gentle sliding routes are just east of the parking lot (on the right side when facing Mt Hood). Steeper routes with jumps are available as you walk further up the road towards Mt Hood. Snow parking passes are required & easily purchased at the Chevron gas station in Government Camp ($6/day, $30 for the whole season)

    One of the great things about being retired and having an RV is the ability to travel when and…read morewhere the urge strikes us. Once in a while, we find a special place. This was such a place. We were traveling in Oregon, and learned from Campendium that the White River West Sno Park allows FREE overnight parking during the warmer months. (A parking fee is charged from Nov 1-April 30). This is a dry camping area, meaning that there are no hook-ups (electricity, water, dump station). But, the sno park has a huge paved parking lot, plenty of ooen sky to recharge our solar panels, easy access from OR-35 (yet it was still quiet overnight), restrooms with vault toilets, access to hiking trails, and views to die for -- specifically of Mt. Hood but also of a completely dark night sky filled with stars and constellations. We shared the lot overnight with four other vehicles; it felt safe. After doing a short hike, I was disappointed to leave.

    Little Zigzag Falls - Fast moving Zigzag River. Sept 2024.

    Little Zigzag Falls

    (19 reviews)

    Little Zigzag Falls, Welches, Oregon. Sept, 2024…read more What a great little hike! Located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, this is an easy-to-access trail a few paved miles off OR-26. The parking area, with space for maybe 20 or so cars, is at the end of the road. There are trail signs, as well as a porta-potty. You need a Northwest Forest Pass, or NPS pass, to park here but they are not sold on-site. (You can purchase at the Zigzag Ranger District @ 70220 E. Highway 26 in Zigzag). The Forest Service (FS) describes the trail as a "gentle uphill trail located in a narrow canyon next to the Little Zigzag River." The shaded and mostly smooth trail ends at the falls. There are some rocks and roots but overall it's quite smooth. Also, per the Forest Service, it's a great hike for kids, but supervision along the riverside is a must. We note that the stream was exceptionally fast-moving and the falls he a lot of water in mid-September The FS describes the trail as having a distance of 0.5 miles (one way), but All Trails lists it as 0.6 for BOTH ways and my watch recorded 0.7 for both. The trail is at an elevation of around 3,250 feet, and is snow-free from June to November. There's a nice shaded picnic table near the start of the trail. There's also a wooden bench near the falls. The trail is not wheelchair accessible.

    Nice, easy hike with an awesome payoff at the end. The parking lot is pretty spacious. The hike is…read morevery short itself so perfect for families. Great views at the end.

    Glade Trail 601

    Glade Trail 601

    (1 review)

    Government Camp and Timberline Lodge are not far from Portland. The Glade Trail #661 is one…read moreconnector between Government Camp and Timberline Lodge by foot, mountain bike or horse. It is part of a complex of trails which is maintained, but not well marked, and many are not mapped. In the Summer, it's rocky and sandy. Some of the trails look like they have minor streams in Spring. In Winter, they could be cross country ski trails. They are kept clear of tree fall, so the snow can build. Some sections are by the original power lines to Timberline, and that is cleared. I have cross country skied down it and it's beautiful. You have to cross some active boarding and ski routes below Timberline to find it. From Government Camp, you can park in Government Camp public areas and walk up the private road to the trailhead. There is very limited parking at the trailhead itself, but only specific dates April-November. There are trail junction signs, but the trails are not very well blazed. I would strongly suggest a printed trail map, a real GPS and survival supplies. Smartphone GPS and Google Maps are not safe to prevent getting lost in the maze of trails! Winter is easier, it can be well traveled and tracked. But prepare nonetheless. I did not make it to Timberline Lodge, #661 and the power line clearing is the absolute shortest route between Government Camp and Timberline Lodge by distance. I did not see any evidence of horses, but it can be used for that. It is one of several popular mountain bike complexes on Mt Hood. The Forest Service Zigzag Ranger Station is a good source of information.

    Mirror Lake Trail - parks - Updated May 2026

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