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Mirror Lake 1-18-08 Posted by airdrum (2008-01-18)

Well with all of the cold weather and lack of precipitation Lindsay and I set out to hopefully find some very solid snow to walk on up to Mirror lake, the mucho popular trail accessed by a turnout off 26. We picked this trail because we didn't want to snowshoe, and we figured this would be well traveled enough to have nice compacted snow to walk on, and we were right.  I think it was easier for us without the snowshoes!  After driving through the gloomy metro area we neared the mountain to crystal clear skies and unbelievable views of mount hood, wow it was clear and bright. The road condition was decent, and soon we pulled off to join about 10 other cars in the parking area and set off.  The temperature was about 30 degrees and it was 11:30 AM The trail was well used by skis and snowshoers, it was very easy to follow. Neat early morning icy-ness Soon we reach the lake to find a bit of fog lingering above the surface, and great views of TDH mountain.  If we had snowshoes and had left earlier in the day, we almost certainly would have tried an ascent of TDH, the weather was just perfect. Snow level assessment Eventually we felt the need to make our own trail for a bit And then I meandered out too a lone tree for some photo foreground.  It was so clear that looking at Mt. Hood was almost blinding with the sun pounding on it. Then we completed the loop around the lake and headed back down to the car.  It was now 2:30pm and 33 degrees. It was a very nice day, Niether of us had ever done Mirror lake but it was nearly impossible to get lost with the well worn trail.  Snowshoes were certainly not needed, I was just wearing my light trail-runners with wool socks, and I would recommend this hike to anymone in conditions similar to this.  Note if you are going to do this the parking area requires a sno park pass.  There is really no way to know this without doing research.  A vague sign on the way up 26 says one is required but good luck actually seeing this snow crusted sign.  There is no indication of the need for a pass, or anyplace to aquire one at the trailhead which I saw. Somebody had some fun descending TDH, see the ski tracks?

Re: Mirror Lake 1-18-08 Posted by vienturia (2008-01-18)

Great quick hike (only about 3 mi?), perfect weather, definitely didn't need snowshoes.  Only downside was all the people.

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