Mirror Lake Trail
Mirror Lake Trail
4.5
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Located on the Mount Hood's north side.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
143 reviews
Excellent
89
Very good
43
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Rather_Nomadic
Panama City, FL1,912 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This hike is a little longer and strenuous than expected but still a very scenic lake at the top. On clam wind days it does reflect Mt Hood like a mirror. As other mentioned, the hike around the lake has portions on the boardwalk that are completely underwater by at least 5-6 inches. You can just circle back the way you came or take of your shoes/socks for a short portion. The lower part of the hike is undulating but near the top the switchbacks get steep. The hike around the lake is basically flat. Just watch the signs to make sure you don’t continue on the longer hike up the mountain going and coming. Pit toilets available at the bottom but no water. Campsites at the top.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,891 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Popular hike. easily accessible from large parking area. 1.9 mile each way out and back, well maintained forested trail. Only minor inclines so suitable for everyone. Lovely photo op at the lake with Mt Hood behind.
If you want to walk the loop of the lake (half mile) be prepared for a short wade to about lower calf, as water level is still high.
If you want to walk the loop of the lake (half mile) be prepared for a short wade to about lower calf, as water level is still high.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PDXItalia
Portland, OR8 contributions
Jun 2020
People usually don't go on hikes to pick up other people's trash, hear loud music, or deal with the general unpleasantness found in dealing with some people. But - this particular hike attracts people in the droves. Granted, the mirroring view of Mt. hood from the little lake (and it is a little lake) is picturesque - on a nice, clear day. But even this, for me, doesn't make the hike an enjoyable one. You will get a good work out and you'll see some pretty views, but you will also see crowds. And therein, lies the problem.
All in all, the takeaway of the good points of this hike is that it is a good workout with some lovely views. The Tom, Dick, and Harry trail has even better views. It is not an easy hike and can be a bit strenuous at some points, but you'll get a decent workout.
The bad points? A crowded parking lot, a lot of people, crowds, noise, blasting of music, jerks, and no solitude.
In other words, this hike is not for me.
All in all, the takeaway of the good points of this hike is that it is a good workout with some lovely views. The Tom, Dick, and Harry trail has even better views. It is not an easy hike and can be a bit strenuous at some points, but you'll get a decent workout.
The bad points? A crowded parking lot, a lot of people, crowds, noise, blasting of music, jerks, and no solitude.
In other words, this hike is not for me.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
montanaJIm
Missoula, MT2,212 contributions
Oct 2022
I went there expecting a great reflection of Mt. Hood and was disappointed. The hike is nice, uphill. The trail is wide and easy to follow. You have to go to the south end of the lake to get a reflection of Mt. Hood. If you want a great reflection photo of Mt. Hood, go to either Trillium Lake or Frog Lake.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe Hamilton
1 contribution
Mar 2020
Love the new trail section that eliminates the parallel trail along Hwy26!
Our early start gave us the added pleasure of breaking trail through 4-5 inches of fresh snow that fell over-night. We had planned to snowshoe to the top of Tom, Dick and Harry Mt. but lost the trail on the lower slopes of TD&H. Spent a good 45-60 minutes searching the lower slopes of TD&H Mt in search of it. Heavy snow fall the last few days, and the snowdrifts covered the trail to TD&H.
The hike around the lake....eeerrrrr pond was pleasant though.
Our early start gave us the added pleasure of breaking trail through 4-5 inches of fresh snow that fell over-night. We had planned to snowshoe to the top of Tom, Dick and Harry Mt. but lost the trail on the lower slopes of TD&H. Spent a good 45-60 minutes searching the lower slopes of TD&H Mt in search of it. Heavy snow fall the last few days, and the snowdrifts covered the trail to TD&H.
The hike around the lake....eeerrrrr pond was pleasant though.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth A
35 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
We hiked in early July- it was not too crowded. There was a lot of elevation gain but the switchbacks made the grade better. The views at the top were lovely. If you are looking for something similar without the effort of the walk I would recommend Trillium Lake- similar views. We loved both hikes.
Written July 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dream Big Travel Wide
Portland, OR49 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Breathtaking view on this hike, a perfect hike to picnic location. I'd imagine the sunset would be divine and during the fall months with the color changes of the leaves would be stellar. Choose to take this short loop, or head up to Tom, Dick, and Harry for a little bit of a challenge, but the craziest views, great on a clear day!
Parking is minimal, directly at trail head maybe enough space for 15-20 cars, but there is street parking just down the road.
For more details on the trail click the link to blog post provided :)
Parking is minimal, directly at trail head maybe enough space for 15-20 cars, but there is street parking just down the road.
For more details on the trail click the link to blog post provided :)
Written October 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ulla Gade N
9 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
A friend and I did the hike the 3rd of July. Weather was sunny and clear and we got wonderful photos. As others write, the parking area is not very big and the trail can be busy during the day so get there early. If you are not an experienced hike, the going can be though before you reach the lake. However, the view once you get to the lake is amazing. It is easy to walk around the lake and several places you are able to get all the way down to the lake.
Written July 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adventuresof_jade_
Ridgefield, WA2,107 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
The hike to Mirror lake is only 1.5 miles each way, that's including doing the entire loop around the lake.
It is pretty much uphill the whole way, mostly it's switchbacks through the Forest.
We went on a cool cloudy morning, the weather was beautiful.
Mount Hood has been getting a decent amount of snow recently. The day we went there was a lot of clouds that were covering the mountain and it was only partly showing, but I was still able to see a little bit reflected in the lake, it was also windy so the reflection in the lake wasn't as clear as it can be.
No matter wether you can see the mountain or not this is still a gorgeous hike worth doing.
There was already some fall colors around the lake and lots of wildlife too.
We will be back again to do this.
It is pretty much uphill the whole way, mostly it's switchbacks through the Forest.
We went on a cool cloudy morning, the weather was beautiful.
Mount Hood has been getting a decent amount of snow recently. The day we went there was a lot of clouds that were covering the mountain and it was only partly showing, but I was still able to see a little bit reflected in the lake, it was also windy so the reflection in the lake wasn't as clear as it can be.
No matter wether you can see the mountain or not this is still a gorgeous hike worth doing.
There was already some fall colors around the lake and lots of wildlife too.
We will be back again to do this.
Written October 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hifivesrock
Molalla, OR16 contributions
The Mirror Lake hike has to be the best hike I have been on. I have done it now 3 times in 2 months! The hike to the lake is fairly easy, and once you get there the view is great. I HIGHLY reccomend continuing the trail to Tom Dick & Harry mountain, the views at the top are spectacular! So make sure and go on a clear day, you wont be disappointed! you can see Mt hood, mt adams, mt rainer, mt st. helens, and even mt jefferson.
Written December 15, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is mirror lake swimmable from the trail?
teresa9093
Portland, Oregon39 contributions
yes you can swim in that lake.
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Claim your listingMirror Lake Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Mirror Lake Trail
- Hotels near Mirror Lake Trail:
- (1.46 mi) Best Western Mt. Hood Inn
- (4.66 mi) Timberline Lodge
- (1.80 mi) Collins Lake Resort
- (8.85 mi) Whispering Woods Resort
- (1.23 mi) Support a great cause while on vacation!
- Restaurants near Mirror Lake Trail:
- (1.40 mi) Mt. Hood Brewing Co.
- (9.56 mi) Rendezvous Grill
- (2.02 mi) Glacier Haus Bistro & Pizza
- (1.89 mi) Ratskeller
- (4.66 mi) Cascade Dining Room
Mirror Lake Trail Information
Excellent Reviews | 89 |
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Very Good Reviews | 43 |
Mirror Lake Trail Photos | 108 |