mirror lake trail

Zauberzebra

Take the short walk and you will find a wonderful view to Mount Hood whit an mirror of the montain in the lake!

travelinbybus

This is one of my favorite places to spend time in the Mount Hood area. The trick is finding parking since this is a really popular trail. Get their early and it won't be a problem. Otherwise the wait could be quite some time. The trail is family friendly, so bring the little ones, pack a picnic and enjoy your time at the lake!

769MarkS769

Amazing view of the mountain reflected in the lake. Parking can be difficult on busy days but the hike is definitely worth the effort.

SWESanDiego

The hike is through a beautiful forest from the highway. Remember to buy the day pass before beginning your hike. The lake is very nice and offers views of Mt. Hood.

jackocalgary_AB

Hiked with my small dogs on a lovely, sunny, hot day in September. Even on a Monday lots of people though certainly not too crowded. Very easy to follow trail that goes around lake

33patrickh

I give this a 4.. It was not a 4 this day..because of the wind..But over all it is always a 4.Nice hike.. Some say it's an easy trail.. For the most part it is.. By with the elevation I would not call it easy. Its a great place to hang out.. If the wind is not blowing.. Its a great photo op... I was there early and its not the right time for this lake.. Sun interferes a bit..and the wind is active in the morning...really early..or late light the best for light...Late evening for the mirror photos..TIP. Bring your tripod if you want that magazine shot..Parking gets busy fast... Only one car when I got there.. It was full when I left... But most people don't even stop at the lake..Porta potty was there... But they had not emptied it in a month.. It was the worse I have ever seen... I'm thinking the road crew had something to do with that!!Parking and day use is 5$ but you have to get it at a business down the Hwy.. We took our chances..

sunnysal

The mostly uphill hike on the way to the scenic but small Mirror Lake. Go early before the fog sets in for the best view of Mt Hood. Trail is very easy to follow and is about 3 miles round trip.Some rustic campsite by the lake but mostly was alone once we made it to the lake. Saw several groups on their way back while we were headed up so maybe it was just good luck.Switchbacks are numerous but the grades and elevation changes are gradual.Parking by the side of the road for 20 or so cars with an overflow area close-by.Very close to Government Camp but not close enough to walk to trail head.

SKH-11

There is very limited parking and you must get a day permit if you don't have an annual permit to park. This was my first time hiking to this lake. I felt it was steep but a nice trail. The lake is small and lots of bugs along the muddy lake edge. Lots of little fish were jumping up at the flying bugs. The lake is very dark which helps make the mirror image of trees and Mt Hood. It was cloudy on our visit so we couldn't see all of Mt Hood. We floated in the lake and it wasn't too cold. The walk around the lake only takes about 10-15 minutes.

perri628

Easy to access, under 3 miles, shaded, not too steep, and a nice view as pay off. We hiked with our 9 month old in a chid carrier pack. Note that you are supposed to have a Northwest Forest Pass ($5) left on your windshield when you hike. We didn't know that and decided just to chance it. No ticket when we returned. Here's the link to buy one if you'd rather not chance it though:http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6BdkOyoCAPkATlA!/?ss=1106&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=null&navid=200100000000000&pnavid=200000000000000&pname/

55LoneStar

This was nicely scenic and although classified easy there is a gradual elevation all change. The length makes this trail a good one for family. The lake (pond) was picturesque and if a reasonably clear day, we understand the mirror reflects the view of Mt Hood. Our day was all low clouds making visibility at times limited.

kokonut33

Pretty easy hike (1.5 miles each) way and not too steep. Trail was in great shape, but too many roots and rocks for even an "offroad" type stroller. We had a 1.5 year old with us and just carried him up there and back. We saw a lot of people (sunday trail was busy) with dogs and small children. Although the lake is small and more like a pond it was still nice. If its windy, you will not get the mirror effect on the pond

expat2

Was not very impressed with the lake probably because the reviews were so good we were just expecting something more. It was pretty, but small. We continued up the trail (Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain) after the lake not quite sure where we were heading and went on an awesome trail. This was an awesome trail, steep climb, with incredible views of Mt. Saint Helen, Mt Rainier, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Mirror Lake looked very cool from the top.

Artcatbigtoed

This was stop 1 from Portland for the area, then onto lunch at Goverment Camp area, up to Timberline lodge to look at summer skiers and Mt Hood up and close, and then to Hood River to check out the water sports before returning to PDX for a great dinner (at Pok Pok). This was a great way to start the day. About 1 1/2 hr hike that I would describe as moderately easy because of the uphill work (600 feet) with well maintained trail. Two foot bridges both easy with one having a railing on just one side. Tips: You can buy the required day parking permit online and print it out for your dashboard at www.fs.fed.us/r6/passespermits. The trail is after mile marker 51. If parking is full right at trail just another 200 feet or so is another section, where we parked. I preferred it for additional excercise and room to back the car in for easy exit back on 26. Lake is tiny but view, reflection and wild flowers in bits and pieces here and there beautiful. Saw at least 3 picnic areas. Went on a weekday around 11am and saw about a dozen other hikers. Less people means better photo opt. Recommend this hike.

berly24

The mirror lake part of the trail is pretty easy. If you can handle a tougher hike, continue on UP. It gets more difficult with steep inclines and some scary ledges, but the top is magnificent. You can see Hood, Rainier, and Adams. Very cool!

assafm

the trails is maintained very well, mostly shaded, easy path also for small kids.However expecting to see a lake in the end may cause a disappointment...its more of a small pond than a lake...