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 Reporter |
Summary: Mirror Lake is a staple of casual hiking in the Portland/Mt. Hood area. It's right on Hwy. 26 so it's easily accessed, it's a fairly easy hike, and you get to see a very nice lake. Kids wil enjoy this hike, and if you plan ahead they can wade in the lake when you get there. The trail is wide enough in most places to walk side-by-side with a friend, though it can be dusty. When you get to a point just below the lake you can take the loop trail in either direction. Taking the trail to the right connects you to another trail up Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain. This is also the direction to go if you want to get to the view of Mt. Hood quickly. You can camp at designated sites around the lake, though on a busy day you'll have plenty of visitors by your spot. Kids can wade, throw rocks, look for crawdads and just be kids while you sit and talk with family or friends. We did this walk 12-14 years ago when the kids were little, and they had just as much fun as teenagers. Trailhead: If you've driven over Mt. Hood you've seen the trailhead - it's on the right or south side of the road as you go east on a big bend just before Ski Bowl. It's a few miles above Rhododendron and just 2 or 3 miles below Government Camp. Mt. Hood is only 50 miles from Portland. A Northwest Forest pass is required to park at this trailhead. Buy the annual pass for $30.00 - otherwise pay $5.00 for a day pass. (Lat:45.30631 Lon:-121.7917) Trail Guides for Mirror Lake, near Government Camp on Mt. Hood: Pacific Northwest Hiking 1000 Hikes in OR and WA by Ron C. Judd and Dan A. Nelsen (Avalon Travel Publishing) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Mt. Hood National Forest Info Center, Welches, OR 503-622-7674 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Steve Snyder, who has posted 13 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by EMO on 7/20/2007 When with a small group for cub scouts... very nice hike even for young kids. Beautiful view of Mt. Hood from the lake. The day we went the beach along the lake was covered with butterflies, it was a wonderful experience. I would love to go back and go up to the summit. The only problems I saw were the flimsy fencing that was put up to keep people from going off the paths near the lake, the fencing was falling down and you could see people were contining to go off into the bushes. The parking lot was also very full, but that was to be expected on such a beautiful weekend day. 
Reviewed by Viewer on 7/18/2007 This hike was fantastic. I backpacked it with my friend and my 5 year old son and had an absolute blast. It was a fairly easy hike which was great for beginning backpackers and kids. The weather was great. Unfortunately the bugs were out in force, which I guess is to be expected around water. It is absolutely gorgeous at the lake and seemed to be a very popular day hike. There are some great camp sites, but fire wood is becoming very sparse. The only bummer of the trip is that it is apparently popular for the underage drinkers to come up late in the evening and leave in the morning. Not a big deal except for all the garbage they left behind. We will still be doing this overnighter again in the short future.
Reviewed by ALS on 7/8/2007 It's been years since I have been to mirror like but it is great place just to sit back and put your feet in a nice cool lake and gaze at Mt Hood. The trail is very well maintained and well traveled. There is a short section that crosses a old rock slide and you need to watch your footing...other than that ..and a few switch backs...it's a great hike, take your time and have a good time while on the climb uphill to the lake (coming down is much easier), and when you get their... take the left trail, over the foot bridge at the creek that comes out of the lake...I think more people head off to the right with has the camp ground area. Remember....take your shoes off and rest them in the cool water...it is a wonderful experience.
Reviewed by Jeff on 3/13/2007 Last time I hiked this one I went up to TD&H mountain where I met an elderly couple (who was quite easily outhiking me). They suggested I continue on across the ridge to the top of Ski Bowl and come down there and hike the road a half mile back to the parking area. It was a great suggestion.
Reviewed by Jeff L on 11/4/2006 Don't stop at the lake - keep going up to the summit of Tom, Dick and Harry. At the summit you'll have killer views of Mt. Hood and wonderful wildfowers with spectacular views on the trail up. The last stretch of trail passes through airy woods with pink rhododendrens. I posted some photos on my (ad-free) personal site.
Reviewed by JM on 7/4/2006 Quite a few folks hiking up to Mirror Lake on the 4th of July 2006. I counted 15 cars in the parking lot. The beginning of the hike was a little more strenuous than expected -- the switchbacks were just a tad steeper than easy (not much though). The lake was beautiul, but crowded. I'd come again, but not on a holiday.
Reviewed by Sushil on 5/23/2006 8 pm 19 May 2006 we got to the trailhead at on Friday and we (my wife and my friend Dave) hiked in the dark and some places were bright has day, it was beautiful hike even in darkness. I heard underground rivers. It was long hike in the dark. We tried to camp on the far side of the lake but it was snowed in. At night the crawdads come out and we did catch a brook trout but it was too small. Dave hike to the top of Tom, Dick and Harry trail. I took a swim in frigid water. My wife and I walked around the lake and there was snow in some place 2-3 feet deep but still a great place to go.
Reviewed by sac on 3/27/2006 Absolutely beautiful trip - do it early as the sun melts the snow in winter time in the afternoon and it becomes very slippery coming down and dangerous for kids and adults. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Clackamas County Hiking, Clackamas County Trails, Clackamas County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||