Mirror Lake Trail

Short and easy, much like I find this hike.
Mirror Lake gets points for being 1) an easy drive from Portland, 2) relatively easy for hikers of (most) all abilities, and 3) having the potential for some gorgeous views of Mt Hood.
The inclines are all at the beginning, so then it’s easy-​breezy once you get to the (very small) lake, which in sunny conditions offers up gorgeous reflective views of Mt Hood. You’ll want to take lots of pictures, but so will everybody else that came on this wildly popular hike. Trust me, you’re not gonna get away from people on this hike. They’re everywhere.
It seems you can camp at Mirror Lake, but I don’t know why you’d want to backpack in to a location so well-​traveled. Also, you can add some significant mileage — and elevation — by extending your hike through to the summit of Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain*, which I’d recommend if you want to make a day of it. Otherwise, I’d say Mirror Lake is just a quick diversion. I’ve done it once, snapped my pics, and I doubt I’ll be back again!
* seriously, this is the name of a mountain? Really?

Lake is beautiful. Going to the top of Tom Dick and Harry is a must do. I did it in the snow, microspikes were helpful.
You’ll see signs in the winter saying you cannot park along highway 26, but if there is no snow (as was the case last year) call the ranger station and they’ll tell you it’s okay to do so. This saves you the extra two miles of walking from up the road.

If you’re only going to do one trail, may I suggest that it be this one. :) It is really great as it feels like it is enough exertion to feel handsomely rewarded by the flat loop walk around the lake and that Mt. Hood view (again, which I am sure would have been even more spectacular sans fires/​smoke).

Hiked here in January. It was dope!
Lake was frozen and snow everywhere. Had to park over at ski bowl though so it adds .7 miles one way to get to the start of the trail.
It’s an easy hike during the summer. A little bit harder during the winter. But at least it’s short!

This is a grueling hike with some serious uphill. It fools you and keeps you climbing. But once you get to the lake you forget the climb. It is perfect.
The lake has some camping so you may see some folks all set up. Take pictures.

This is an outstanding trail — not too steep on the short hike up and well worth the effort. Great for kids. Dogs must be leashed. The view of Mt. Hood is just amazing, Try to time it for late afternoon and catch the afternoon light off Hood. If you have more energy continue on the trail to the Tom Dick and Harry peak overview. It is just breathtaking and only about 5 – 6 miles roundtrip. Beautiful!

Mirror mirror on the wall. who is the most beautiful of them all. why it’s Mt. Hood. who else! The volcano in the lake. yup. that’s her.
The hike itself is wonderful and mostly easy terrain. Lots of greenery, old growth trees, and just mellow walking. There are of course a few spots but what do you expect?
Don’t forget to get your pass ahead of time though for parking. As we were heading back out there was the ranger ready to ticket. Somebody’s got to pay for all that beauty and keeping up on the trail. It’s about 3.5 miles all together looping around the lake give or take a few.
Also, and so important, don’t trash it. That includes your little toilet paper you think you have to use out in the woods. Ya there’s no outhouses but there’s drip dry. Deal with it.
End rant.

I really enjoyed this hike today. It has been 5 years since I had done it last. It was mellow and nice, but once you get almost to the peak there are a lot of rocks. Overall though I loved the hike to the Tom Dick and Harry peak. It was a little hazy out but still lovely. Some wildflowers still out. The trail was mostly shady all of the way up, so it is a great hot weather hike if you start out early enough. I was fine with two bottles of water, an energy bar, and a nectarine… it is only 6.5 miles… moderate. I liked it a lot.

Wow! What a great trail. And, how ’bout that view?!
First, on your way up to the Mirror Lake trailhead, you will likely pass at least ten Subway sandwich shops. If you are worried about food for your trek, there will be many opportunities to stop before you arrive at the trailhead.
Next, you will need to buy a parking pass. I was able to pick one up at the Zig Zag Ranger Station, about five or ten minutes before you get to the trailhead. Open 7 days a week right now, this station had very helpful park rangers, tons of useful trail maps and as an added bonus, ridiculously clean bathrooms. The parking pass is $ 5 for a day pass or $ 30 for a year pass. I recommend the day pass. Parking at the trailhead can be packed. There are two portable toilets at the trailhead, both of which I would strongly recommend against using.
The trail up to the lake, I found fairly easy. This trail attracts hikers of all age and ability. Dogs are allowed. Once at the top, I turned left and took the Mirror Lake loop around the lake. This loop offers a few nice creeks to hop over, three or four «beaches» where you can walk down to the lake, lovely flowers blooming and a fantastic mirrored view of Mt. Hood. I can’t speak to swimming in Mirror Lake, but come August, I can imagine a swim would feel quite nice after a long hike.
Not mentioned in my hiking book is the «additional trail» to the spectacular Tom, Dick and Harry Ridge. This took about 40 minutes to the very top, though a few other hikers estimated an hour or more (one way). In comparison, the trail to the ridge is more rigorous and not maintained as nicely. For me, the last 10 minutes of the hike to the Ridge was the only «very difficult» part. The view at the top is absolutely breathtaking. I would place it on my «once in a lifetime things» list.
Lastly, I recommend going on a weekday. As many others have pointed out, this hike can get extremely crowded and seems to be very popular, especially on summer weekends.

This is a wonderful winter trail to snowshoe for a beginner or a novice. From the parking lot to Mirror Lake is about 1−½ miles, the first half mile being along the highway from the car to the trailhead/​bridge. The trail is indeed narrow with many switchbacks, so snowshoeing shoulder-​to-​shoulder is difficult. In fact, you’ll encounter many people approaching you in the opposite direction and I found it a little annoying to step off the trail to let them pass. But that minor annoyance was well with the experience of thick forest and soft snow clinging to all tress and plants. Give yourself 3 hours to include snapping photos and a quick snack/​lunch break at the lake.

Okay, it’s a *long* walk from the parking to the lake. It’s worth it, but no matter what anybody tells you, it’s a *long* walk, especially since it’s uphill the entire distance. You may not ever have better photo-​ops, and the lake/​mountain view is really remarkable. The trail is a little worn, and pieces of the railing have (disappeared?) disintegrated. In some spots, the trail is also narrow. If you’re physically able, it’s a must-​do if you’re in the Hood River area. If you’re disabled, think twice before going.

The Mirror Lake Trail is a pleasant hike, not too hard for families, but not flat like a month old bottle of seltzer. Getting there is easy when driving uphill, but on the downhill you have to overshoot for a little while until you can find a good place to flip a yooey.
The trail is covered with trees and full of switchbacks. You’ll cross a couple rockslides and eventually level out when you get to the lake. If you take the clockwise route you’ll get to the clearing last, after circling the lake through the trees. You’ll find lots of crawfish in the water, and lovely vistas above.
There were plenty of people doing the hike when we passed through, but not so many that it felt like the «pave it and paint it green» days of national parks.
Enjoy!