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This is an awesome medium difficulty hike, and i LOVE a hike with a view! The trail is maintained very well, even in the steeper sections. It's 2 miles up, totaling it to be about 4 miles total. There are steep sections on the trail, but definitely worth checking out if it is within your skill set!
There is no shortage of beautiful hikes in Portland and the surrounding areas, even if it's hiking through the snow in low 40s for four mile r/t to reach the mirror lake. Parking is limited in the national forest lot, but it's adjacent to the ski lodge, so you can park there for seven dollars per day. The trail head has a small restroom for those needing a bio break. The entirety of the hike involves hiking through packed snow (in May) and the trail is navigable if you just follow the footprints of the other hikers. It could be slippery and chilly, so wear grippy shoes (we encountered many hikers that used snow shoes and poles) but we managed fine with hiking shoes. Also bring warm clothes as it is cold, even though we were constantly moving. The reward, a frozen over mirror lake that is just stunning! People and dogs were roaming on the lake surface and enjoying a good time. Personally, not having too much experience, I opted to just look afar in case there are sections of the ice that's thin. Stunning view and would visit again!
Maybe I failed to read enough review ahead of time but the trail route was not what I was expecting. We drove here after a side-trip up to Timberline Lodge. The trailhead is located on the Highway 26. They have a fairly large parking lot and it had plenty of space when we arrived - around 4 p.m. on a Friday. You have to pay to park here (via a website on your phone) or it is free if you have some sort of state or national park pass. I think we paid $5. My wife was very unimpressed with the cleanliness of the restrooms at the trailhead. I was under the impression that the trailhead was close to the lake, and that the hike around the lake was 1 - 2 miles. However, in actuality, there was a 1.9-mile hike just to get to the lake, and then you could hike around it. We still had over an hour's drive to get back to Portland after the hike, so we debated how long we all wanted to spend here. We eventually decided to do a leisurely hike in for 20+ minutes and then turn around at some point and hike back. That would give us a 2+ mile hike, which was sufficient for our time slot. The part of the trail we did hike was quite nice. There was a lot of shade, with occasional bridges over a creek and a few wildflowers. We saw people returning on the trail every 5 minutes or so - it is not desolate. The hike was relaxing and pretty. If we returned to Mt. Hood, I would allocate more time and do this hike justice.
The Mirror Lake Trail is a moderate 4.2 mile hike in Mount Hood National Forest. The trail loops around the lake where you can see Mount Hood and it's reflection. There were only a few spots where we could get really good pictures so it can be a pain if it's crowded. I recommend turning around instead of walking through all of the brush on two pieces of wood. If you want a lake view and to see Mount Hood, I recommend Trillium Lake instead.
HIKERS Unite! Before I leave my review I wish to give you a "cautionary tale " of what can happen on the Tom Dick and Harry trail. First, it is quite rocky and a lot of tree roots that can sneak up on you and try to trip you up. In our case, it did trip one of us (even with walking sticks) and she fell and broke her wrist. Hikers stopped to help and she was fitted with a splint made with two sticks, hikers sleeves, and a sling made out of my sweatshirt. One Hiker visiting (from BC) for only one day, spent 3 hours helping us get down the hill, step by slow step. We had two other hikers follow behind us as our cheering team all the way back to the trailhead. Not to mention all of the help with offers of food, water, OTC pain meds, phones, etc from so many going up the trail. Thanks to all of you. Although the view at the top was breathtaking, nothing compared to the beauty of the people hiking that day! We will never forget you. And one last thing, the doctors at Kaiser (including the 2 orthopedic surgeons) were incredibly impressed with the work that was done up on that narrow little trail! As for the hike itself, the Mirror Lake portion was lovely. Lots of bridges and switchbacks, waterfalls and the lake. Had to venture out over some rickety planks to get the shot I wanted. Good thing I was wearing hiking sandals because I did get wet. The trail up the Tom, Dick and Harry is worth it. We loved the view! We could see all 5 mountains from there! Just be careful on your way back down!
This is one of the most popular hikes in the Mt Hood area, and for good reason. You used to have to park on the side of the road, and it was kind of sketchy. Now, they've built a very nice trail head parking lot. A word of warning: DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES in your car. There was lots of broken window glass when we were here. Don't let it be you! You will sometimes here this hike being called: Tom, Dick, and Harry Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain Tom, Dick, and Harry Ridge TDH Ridge (cool kids) TDH Mountain (semi-cool kids) It's split into tow parts. First part: Mirror Lake You hike to the most unoriginally-named lake in the US (tied with hundreds of others). The reflection of Hood though? I'd say it's just OK. The real value is in going up the ridge. There are campsites near the lake. But please, DO NOT camp within 100 ft of the lake, it's the law of the outdoors. Second Part: TDH Ridge Keep going past the lake and you'll gain a rock ridge. Keep taking this up and eventually you'll be out of the trees and be treated to stunning views of Mt Hood. If you know where to look you'll also be able to see: Mt Jefferson (2nd tallest mountain in Oregon), Mt Adams, Mt St Helens, and Mt Rainier. You can actually see most everything you can see from Mt Hood...with about 1/10th the effort. This also makes a great winter snow shoe. In fact, it's so damn popular in the winter that you might not even need snow shoes. There's often a pretty prominent boot-pack. One of the best shots of Hood is in the winter, at sunrise, from TDH ridge, with the pink alpenglow on the mountain.
Finally got to take this hike this March, and it did not disappoint. Even though the snow compacted trail is narrow in the winter, it was fairly easy to traverse with our hiking boots. In the winter time with snowy trees and grounds we found it to be just gorgeous. I smiled so much my face hurt. There were a couple tricky spots as you climb to the lake, but it was still easily doable carrying our small dog. And although snow clouds prohibited a view of the Hood's peak at the top, the setting at the lake was stunning. I definitely recommend the hike in the snow, and am looking forward to doing again this summer for a new experience!
The Mr and I did a road trip to Mount Hood to play in snow but our first stop was Mirror Lake Trail. There were a decent number of folks there with their adorable dogs. Although we only made it 3/4 of the way to the actual lake, it was still an easy and beautiful hike. It was so enjoyable, we went back once more before leaving Colorado.
This is a nice, pretty easy hike. The beginning is paved, then it is dirt with a couple patches of gravel and a few wooden bridges the rest of the way. We were there in late fall so the trail was pretty muddy with some spots we had to try to get around to prevent freezing feet. At the top - the banks of the lake a pretty beaten down and muddy from hikers. You also might find scraps of toilet paper left in sight of the trail or around the campground. Pretty gross and disrespectful if you ask me. I realize your TP might be biodegradable but at least don't leave it where others can see it.
The trails are in Mount Hood National Park. There are restrooms, picnic tables & garbage cans. We parked in the small lot right off the highway and walked down the trail waiting to see the lake. We realized the hike is 1.8 miles down so we're going to have to walk the same miles up hill and will pass. Wish we realized before we pulled off.
Great trail but wanted to leave an honest review for those who don't know what to expect: the Internet said it was 2 miles total; it was 2 miles one way. It was not "easy" and required lots of uphill walking on unpaved ground, of course. We couldn't see Mt Hood because of the fog, which is okay. When you finally get to the top, go straight to Tom Dick and Harry Mtn or whatever and don't take a left to the Mirror Lake trail unless you want to walk .5 mile further AROUND the lake. I just finished the trail and did not do the loop: 5 miles and 87 flights of stairs. 13k steps.
Great short hike. Easy point 5 on the way in. Super easy around the lake and back out. Lots of tree cover, birds flowers. Spaces for camping and swimming, as you can see from my photos. Holding back a star for limited parking and the crowds. At least nobody was blasting music. I'd try this again at the break of dawn in bad weather. Just to lower the odds of there being a lot of other people.
Mirror lake, trail head was pretty easy to find. Parking didn't seem like a hassle. The trail was short. It was about 15-20 minutes to the lake. There was a split midway at the trail, left or right it all leads to the same place. At the top there is a good view of Mt Hood. What Mirror lake was suppose to represent the reflection of the mountain on a calm non-cloudy, non-windy day. The day that we went it was slightly windy so the lake didn't have a good reflection. The tip of Mt Hood was cloudy and you couldn't get a good view of the mountain. The trail itself was pretty simple.
8.1 miles, 1509 ft elevation gain, 2 hrs 33 minutes. The hike all the way to Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain is definitely longer than the stated 8 miles on AllTrails. We did not have enough water and had to turn around a bit early at mile 4 (for a grand total of 8). Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain was visible but I didn't want to risk my poor pup overheating on such a warm day. Not many other folks go past mirror lake or the initial mountain viewpoint so you might find you'll have this to yourself. The trail is very well maintained to mirror lake, and even has a few cute little bridges and stream crossings. After that, it can be quite narrow and bouldery though there are many beautiful wildflowers lining the trail. There were also a few mosquitos just after the lake so come prepared with bug spray. All I can speak for is the mountain viewpoint (since that's as far as we got) but it was worth the trek up there to see Mt. Hood, Mirror Lake, and Government Camp from that point of view. read more
Great Hike - but Beware! My rental car window was smashed along with a couple other cars. Sunglasses stolen. Cost of window and driving back down mountain in cold was worse than the lost glasses. Leave nothing in your vehicle! read more
We came back to do this trail again and it was just as lovely this time! We were doing it in rain this year, but we knew it'd be this weather and we had rain gear and umbrellas. It was beautiful in a different way and we were glad we did it. Not a strenuous hike, but good exercise. read more
This is an awesome medium difficulty hike, and i LOVE a hike with a view! The trail is maintained very well, even in the steeper sections. It's 2 miles up, totaling it to be about 4 miles total. There are steep sections on the trail, but definitely worth checking out if it is within your skill set! read more
There is no shortage of beautiful hikes in Portland and the surrounding areas, even if it's hiking through the snow in low 40s for four mile r/t to reach the mirror lake. Parking is limited in the national forest lot, but it's adjacent to the ski lodge, so you can park there for seven dollars per day. The trail head has a small restroom for those needing a bio break. The entirety of the hike involves hiking through packed snow (in May) and the trail is navigable if you just follow the footprints of the other hikers. It could be slippery and chilly, so wear grippy shoes (we encountered many hikers that used snow shoes and poles) but we managed fine with hiking shoes. Also bring warm clothes as it is cold, even though we were constantly moving. The reward, a frozen over mirror lake that is just stunning! People and dogs were roaming on the lake surface and enjoying a good time. Personally, not having too much experience, I opted to just look afar in case there are sections of the ice that's thin. Stunning view and would visit again! read more
Maybe I failed to read enough review ahead of time but the trail route was not what I was expecting. We drove here after a side-trip up to Timberline Lodge. The trailhead is located on the Highway 26. They have a fairly large parking lot and it had plenty of space when we arrived - around 4 p.m. on a Friday. You have to pay to park here (via a website on your phone) or it is free if you have some sort of state or national park pass. I think we paid $5. My wife was very unimpressed with the cleanliness of the restrooms at the trailhead. I was under the impression that the trailhead was close to the lake, and that the hike around the lake was 1 - 2 miles. However, in actuality, there was a 1.9-mile hike just to get to the lake, and then you could hike around it. We still had over an hour's drive to get back to Portland after the hike, so we debated how long we all wanted to spend here. We eventually decided to do a leisurely hike in for 20+ minutes and then turn around at some point and hike back. That would give us a 2+ mile hike, which was sufficient for our time slot. The part of the trail we did hike was quite nice. There was a lot of shade, with occasional bridges over a creek and a few wildflowers. We saw people returning on the trail every 5 minutes or so - it is not desolate. The hike was relaxing and pretty. If we returned to Mt. Hood, I would allocate more time and do this hike justice. read more
5 years ago
The Mirror Lake Trail is a moderate 4.2 mile hike in Mount Hood National Forest. The trail loops around the lake where you can see Mount Hood and it's reflection. There were only a few spots where we could get really good pictures so it can be a pain if it's crowded. I recommend turning around instead of walking through all of the brush on two pieces of wood. If you want a lake view and to see Mount Hood, I recommend Trillium Lake instead. read more
3 years ago
HIKERS Unite! Before I leave my review I wish to give you a "cautionary tale " of what can happen on the Tom Dick and Harry trail. First, it is quite rocky and a lot of tree roots that can sneak up on you and try to trip you up. In our case, it did trip one of us (even with walking sticks) and she fell and broke her wrist. Hikers stopped to help and she was fitted with a splint made with two sticks, hikers sleeves, and a sling made out of my sweatshirt. One Hiker visiting (from BC) for only one day, spent 3 hours helping us get down the hill, step by slow step. We had two other hikers follow behind us as our cheering team all the way back to the trailhead. Not to mention all of the help with offers of food, water, OTC pain meds, phones, etc from so many going up the trail. Thanks to all of you. Although the view at the top was breathtaking, nothing compared to the beauty of the people hiking that day! We will never forget you. And one last thing, the doctors at Kaiser (including the 2 orthopedic surgeons) were incredibly impressed with the work that was done up on that narrow little trail! As for the hike itself, the Mirror Lake portion was lovely. Lots of bridges and switchbacks, waterfalls and the lake. Had to venture out over some rickety planks to get the shot I wanted. Good thing I was wearing hiking sandals because I did get wet. The trail up the Tom, Dick and Harry is worth it. We loved the view! We could see all 5 mountains from there! Just be careful on your way back down! read more
This is one of the most popular hikes in the Mt Hood area, and for good reason. You used to have to park on the side of the road, and it was kind of sketchy. Now, they've built a very nice trail head parking lot. A word of warning: DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES in your car. There was lots of broken window glass when we were here. Don't let it be you! You will sometimes here this hike being called: Tom, Dick, and Harry Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain Tom, Dick, and Harry Ridge TDH Ridge (cool kids) TDH Mountain (semi-cool kids) It's split into tow parts. First part: Mirror Lake You hike to the most unoriginally-named lake in the US (tied with hundreds of others). The reflection of Hood though? I'd say it's just OK. The real value is in going up the ridge. There are campsites near the lake. But please, DO NOT camp within 100 ft of the lake, it's the law of the outdoors. Second Part: TDH Ridge Keep going past the lake and you'll gain a rock ridge. Keep taking this up and eventually you'll be out of the trees and be treated to stunning views of Mt Hood. If you know where to look you'll also be able to see: Mt Jefferson (2nd tallest mountain in Oregon), Mt Adams, Mt St Helens, and Mt Rainier. You can actually see most everything you can see from Mt Hood...with about 1/10th the effort. This also makes a great winter snow shoe. In fact, it's so damn popular in the winter that you might not even need snow shoes. There's often a pretty prominent boot-pack. One of the best shots of Hood is in the winter, at sunrise, from TDH ridge, with the pink alpenglow on the mountain. read more
Finally got to take this hike this March, and it did not disappoint. Even though the snow compacted trail is narrow in the winter, it was fairly easy to traverse with our hiking boots. In the winter time with snowy trees and grounds we found it to be just gorgeous. I smiled so much my face hurt. There were a couple tricky spots as you climb to the lake, but it was still easily doable carrying our small dog. And although snow clouds prohibited a view of the Hood's peak at the top, the setting at the lake was stunning. I definitely recommend the hike in the snow, and am looking forward to doing again this summer for a new experience! read more
The Mr and I did a road trip to Mount Hood to play in snow but our first stop was Mirror Lake Trail. There were a decent number of folks there with their adorable dogs. Although we only made it 3/4 of the way to the actual lake, it was still an easy and beautiful hike. It was so enjoyable, we went back once more before leaving Colorado. read more
This is a nice, pretty easy hike. The beginning is paved, then it is dirt with a couple patches of gravel and a few wooden bridges the rest of the way. We were there in late fall so the trail was pretty muddy with some spots we had to try to get around to prevent freezing feet. At the top - the banks of the lake a pretty beaten down and muddy from hikers. You also might find scraps of toilet paper left in sight of the trail or around the campground. Pretty gross and disrespectful if you ask me. I realize your TP might be biodegradable but at least don't leave it where others can see it. read more
The trails are in Mount Hood National Park. There are restrooms, picnic tables & garbage cans. We parked in the small lot right off the highway and walked down the trail waiting to see the lake. We realized the hike is 1.8 miles down so we're going to have to walk the same miles up hill and will pass. Wish we realized before we pulled off. read more
Great trail but wanted to leave an honest review for those who don't know what to expect: the Internet said it was 2 miles total; it was 2 miles one way. It was not "easy" and required lots of uphill walking on unpaved ground, of course. We couldn't see Mt Hood because of the fog, which is okay. When you finally get to the top, go straight to Tom Dick and Harry Mtn or whatever and don't take a left to the Mirror Lake trail unless you want to walk .5 mile further AROUND the lake. I just finished the trail and did not do the loop: 5 miles and 87 flights of stairs. 13k steps. read more
Great short hike. Easy point 5 on the way in. Super easy around the lake and back out. Lots of tree cover, birds flowers. Spaces for camping and swimming, as you can see from my photos. Holding back a star for limited parking and the crowds. At least nobody was blasting music. I'd try this again at the break of dawn in bad weather. Just to lower the odds of there being a lot of other people. read more
8 years ago
Mirror lake, trail head was pretty easy to find. Parking didn't seem like a hassle. The trail was short. It was about 15-20 minutes to the lake. There was a split midway at the trail, left or right it all leads to the same place. At the top there is a good view of Mt Hood. What Mirror lake was suppose to represent the reflection of the mountain on a calm non-cloudy, non-windy day. The day that we went it was slightly windy so the lake didn't have a good reflection. The tip of Mt Hood was cloudy and you couldn't get a good view of the mountain. The trail itself was pretty simple. read more
If you do this, definitely go past Mirror Lake and go to the Tom Dick and Harry Ridge. It's more difficult but it's non-technical, only a few miles, and you're rewarded by a beautiful view of Mount Hood. On a clear day, you may also see Mounts Adams, Rainier and St Helens. The Mirror Lake loop is the one you hear a bit more about, because it's easy and the Lake's reflection is beautiful, but I'd say the Tom Dick and Harry trail is the real star. read more
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. read more
11 years ago
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! read more
11 years ago
7 years ago
This is such a lovely trail, especially in the winter time. It's a fairly easy hike with lots of wooden bridges and wide trails. We've had a lot of fun sledding here on the smaller hills and just enjoying the snow without having to drive farther into mt hood. This is typically the first spot I start seeing snow when driving in so it's nice to not have to drive too far onto snowy roads or uphill more to enjoy some snow. read more
6 years ago
Beautiful trail with just enough technical difficulty and elevation to keep it interesting. Mirror lake is beautiful, but agree with others that the Tom Dick and Harry ridge is spectacular. It ends up being 8 miles round trip, so plan accordingly. read more
8 years ago
Great spot to see Mount Hood. There is limited parking so arrive early. Make sure you have a park pass or pick up a day pass before going to the trail. The hike is about 1.5 miles. The trail is easy keep in mind there is an elevation climb getting to the lake. We arrived at 8am and parking was easy and there were not yet a lot of people on the trail b read more
13 years ago
This is a wonderful winter trail to snowshoe for a beginner or a novice. From the parking lot to Mirror Lake is about 1-1/2 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. read more
14 years ago
9 years ago
Well I must have gone on a different trail then some of these other reviewers... The parking is terrible, it is on the curve and there are very few spots, we had to park at the Ski place up the road and walked a mile to the trailhead. The trail is okay, you will need good shoes. The switchbacks closer to the top have log railing so that's fun. I would not take granny, the incline can make you a little out of breath. There are two places where you walk over loose rocks that you do not want to tumble over so I would watch your footing. It is a dog friendly trail, but be prepared to carry your poop bag the whole day. Now to the important part, the lake so breathtaking, so gorgeous, not. It is not worth the effort at all, There are much more beautiful places to go. Save your time and go to Trillium Lake. It has a fantastic view, great parking, a very easy fun trail, bathrooms and picnic tables. Mirror lake was more of a tiny pond. The view of Mt. Hood was certainly disappointing and I would not take visiting relatives here to experience this unimpressive view. Ten Silver falls, coopers spur, and Trillium Lake will give you better, prettier views. I am straight forward though. It is not that great. read more
10 years ago
8 years ago
11 years ago
More info about Mirror Lake Trail
70220 E Hwy 26
Zigzag, OR 97049
Directions
Hours
Outdoor Amenities
Ask the Community - Mirror Lake Trail
Hello, Does anyone know how long it takes to hike the Tom, Dick, Harry trail? It looks like it is about 6 miles but I wasnt sure how much the terrain slows you down?
About 2-3 hours depending on your speed, but I'm not an avid hiker or even an athlete, and I had a party of 5 with one person aged 62 and one person aged 71
