Overview

Mirror Lake Trail travels up Tom Dick and Harry Ridge to beautiful Mirror Lake, about 7 miles from Mount Hood and a mile west of Government Camp. The trail is easily accessed from Highway 26, and the 3-mile hike is fairly easy and suitable for families. Reaching the lake to see beautiful Mount Hood mirrored in its waters is definitely worth the hike. Winding through second-growth fir and alder forest, the trail is flanked by paintbrush and rhododendrons blooming in late spring; it crosses a creek and offers viewpoints for a clear look at Mount Hood, Zigzag Mountain, and Laurel Hill.

Trailhead

Take U.S. Highway 26 one mile west of Government Camp to the footbridge, which indicates the start of the trail. Parking is available near the bridge.

Details

• Distance: 3 miles
• Average Time of Hike: 2 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1600 feet of gradual incline
• Difficulty: Moderately Easy
• Trail Type: Out and back, with a .5-mile loop around Mirror Lake
• Trailhead: One mile west of Government Camp on Highway 26

Plan & Prepare

Mirror Lake Trail is best to hike between April and October, although it is a popular snowshoe route as well. You will need a day use pass to hike this trail located in the wilderness area of the Mount Hood National Forest. Hikers are warned not to use shortcuts on the switchbacks to avoid eroding the trail, and also to leave no trace—bury human waste, use designated campsites and fire rings to protect the fragile lakeside ecosystem.