Trillium Lake Loop

Distance: 4.4 mile loop

Trillium Lake Loop is a great year round hike.  Whether you enjoy a nice summer camp-n-hike or a winter snowshoeing adventure, Trillium Lake loop provides the diversity most trails do not.  Below is a guide comprised of both a cross-country skiing trip and snowshoeing venture. Both days were too foggy to catch a glimpse of Mt. Hood, so an additional summer video has been added. 

To reach the Trillium Lake trailhead from Portland, travel east on I-84 and take the Troutdale exit, #14. Head south on 238^th as it converts to 242^nd and eventually Hogan Dr. Take a left on Powell blvd and immediately veer right onto Mt Hood Hwy (Hwy-26). After 40 miles on Mt Hood Hwy, you’ll reach the trailhead parking lot on the right.  There will be plenty of signs to guide you.

Getting Started 

From Parking Lot

Before reaching the Trillium Lake Loop, you must descend a fairly steep quarter mile on NF RD-2656. This connecting trail can be dangerous due to the high volume of people visiting the area. Inexperienced cross-country skiers crash and tumble their way down this hill (including my brother), so stay alert.

Connecting to Trillium Lake Loop (map below)

As the trail levels out, it connects with the Trillium Lake Loop.

Heading right on the loop

Summit Meadows - faint view of Mt. Hood through the fog

Heading right on the loop’s track will lead you through Summit Meadows – one of the final resting points along the Oregon Trail, some 150+ years ago.  As you continue past Summit Meadows, the trail will switch courses sharply, heading back towards Trillium Lake.  As the trail cuts back, you will walk past Summit Meadow Cabins. These Cabins are available year round, as well as a community of vacation homes just north. Some cabins are marked with signs displaying their nicknames. The "Singles Shanty" sounds particularly interesting. 

The cutback trail will take you through a dense forest. Just continue through the forest as the trail bends.

Trillium Lake - Fog blocking the view of Mt. Hood.
Nothing blocking the view of Dave's smug mug 

Eventually you’ll reach the lake! If the weather is cooperating, you’ll be in luck. The view of Mt Hood is awesome!

Time Lapse of Trillium Lake (courtesy of Johan Jacobs)

When you've soaked up enough of the view (or fog) continue along the trail as it reconnects with NF RD-2656. Now your workout begins! This final stretch will make you sweat no matter how cold the weather.

trail map