Mirror Lake reflects Mount Hood

A minimal amount of effort pays big dividends on Oregon's Mirror Lake hike.

On a calm day views of Mount Hood reflecting in the lake await anyone who arrives at the apex of the four mile round trip trek through the forest.

"It's a pretty easy one," said Jeff Clinton of the journey he made this summer.  "It's good exercise, but nothing strenuous."

The hike's distance includes a loop around the lake.

"Just to get to the lake is the most memorable part," the 45 year old Clinton said.  "There's nice viewpoints with four or five around the lake."

The trail is not without its small challenges.

"At one point the bridge is out over a stream," Clinton said.  "But it's only a couple of feet and there's rocks you can walk on.  And there's beams to walk on over a marsh by the lake, but nothing that serious."

Another popular activity awaits at the lake if desired.

"Some people swim," said Clinton, a resident of Sequim in Washington State.  "There's a lot of places you can get into the lake."

Parking requires a Forest Pass costing $5 per day or $30 per year.

"There is a QR code on an info board to scan and pay that way," Clinton said.

Parking can present its own challenges.

"It's a large parking lot, and we got there at 9 a.m. and parking was still available," Clinton said.  "When we finished the hike, it was really full."

How to get there:

Mirror Lake is located at Government Camp near Sandy and is a 1 hour, 22 minute drive east of Portland.

Take Interstate 84 and turn onto Highway 26.

"The lake is right at the base of Mount Hood," Clinton said.  "It's not high altitude.  The road is steep for a couple of miles.  There is a 6.5 percent grade on the way down, but nothing serious."

Text by Tim Clinton and photos by Jeff Clinton.