Oregon Cascades · Moderate · Out and back

Mirror Lake and Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain

A gentle forest trail to Mirror Lake, which reflects Mount Hood on calm days, then a steady climb to a rocky ridge facing the mountain.

Distance
8.7 mi (14.0 km)
Ascent
1,719 ft (524 m)
Time
About 5 h
High point
5,007 ft (1,526 m)
Grade
Moderate

Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.

0 mi2 mi4 mi6 mi8 mi4,990 ft3,645 ft
Move along the height chart to see each point on the map.
Mirror Lake and Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain
Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory. · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The hike

The walk starts at the Mirror Lake Trailhead, beside the Skibowl West parking area on Highway 26, just west of Government Camp. The Mirror Lake Trail climbs gently through forest to Mirror Lake, where a path loops round the shore. The trail then climbs steadily across the slopes above the lake, levels off for a stretch about a mile from the top, and finishes over rocks on Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain, at 5,066 feet, with Mount Hood straight ahead. Return the same way.

It is 8.7 miles (14 km) round trip with 1,720 feet (524 m) of climbing; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Moderate: a long, steady climb that is never very steep.

The trailhead, opened in 2018, has 49 parking spaces, vault toilets and a picnic table; the trail begins behind the restroom. A Northwest Forest Pass or a $5 day pass is needed. The upper slopes are open to the sun and can be very hot in summer, so carry plenty of water. The last stretch is narrow and rocky and needs care.

This is a popular trail, so go early or midweek. The trailhead is 27.5 miles east of Sandy on Highway 26. Beyond the lake the trail is in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.

Good to know

  • Mount Hood reflects in Mirror Lake on calm mornings; the ridge above looks straight at it
  • Starts from the Skibowl West car park beside US 26, near Government Camp
  • One of Mount Hood's busiest family hikes: go early or midweek

Summits on the way

  • Tom Dick and Harry Mountain 5,066 ft (1,544 m)

Getting there

Start: Mirror Lake Trailhead. 45.30265, -121.77690

Directions to the start

Places to stay nearby

Rooms in and around Oregon Cascades: Booking.com → Expedia →

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Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.