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Trillium Lake Loop

The classic easy lake hike for reflective views of Mount Hood.

Hiking Easy

Distance
3 km
Ascent
17 m
Descent
17 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
1.1 km
High Point
1.1 km
Gradient
Trillium Lake Loop Map

Trillium Lake is an ultra-popular spot to gain fantastic views of Mount Hood towering high above. The mirror-like surface of the lake provides a stunning reflection, as shown in these photos. While the lake is popular for paddleboarding, swimming, and picnicking, there's also a fun, easy trail that encircles the entire lake.

Description

"The Trillium Lake Trail circles the lake and affords a visit, via a series of boardwalks, to its less-trafficked west shore, where a variety of wetland wildflowers can be observed in the summer," writes OregonHikers.org. The boardwalk and trail loop is almost entirely flat, making it fun for the whole family. The trail runs beneath the bows of cedar, spruce, and silver firs, and in other places, it winds through willow thickets and through fields of subalpine wildflowers.

Note that Trillium Lake is one of the few concessionaire sites in the Mount Hood National Forest, making the Northwest Forest Pass invalid here. You'll have to pay a $5 fee to access the lake.

Difficulty

Easy

Walking along a well-kept trail that’s mostly flat. No obstacles are present.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between May and October

Features

  • Picturesque
  • Water features
  • Family friendly

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area