With the old trailhead decommissioned in 2018, visitors now have a longer hike but with somewh… Mirror Lake Trail is a 2.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Keep your eye out for them as they can be easy to miss. Mirror Lake & Tinkham Peak. The lake reflects a wooded shoreline with cliffs up to 50 feet high, a swimming beach and wetlands that are home to a variety of wildlife. This trail description will detail the hike going counter clockwise. Whether you choose to do the out and back hike (2.4 miles) or the full Mirror Lake Loop Trail (5 miles), the trail is relatively flat with a small elevation gain of 100 feet. Best to take this hike early morning or late afternoon as it's just very hot in summer. Rarely can you find such lovely sites with so little effort, but here, a short trek will take you through forests, across delicate streams, and past brightly colored wildflowers. Take this into consideration when planning your hike. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until September. Most vehicles should stop here, but if you are in a high clearance or off-road vehicle, you may be able to continue the extra 0.5 miles up the steep and rocky dirt road to park at the upper parking area. Stay on trail and take a map. Provides access to: Mirror Lake Trail #664 which accesses Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. The Mirror Lake Trailhead is in the eastern part of Yosemite Valley. The vast Eagle Cap Wilderness contains a substantial network of trails. Early birds on snowshoes get the worm and the parking spot! Stay on 161 S for 22.6 miles, then turn left onto Center St. E, into Eatonville. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Like the least house in an exclusive neighborhood, this hike gets overvalued (and over visited) because it's in Yosemite Valley. Parking along highway will get you towed. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and snowshoeing and is best used from May until October. Mirror Lake Loop Trail is a 4.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Government Camp, Oregon that features a lake and is rated as moderate. You will slowly move up the valley, crossing the river a couple of times, so waterproof boots are a must. Even if it's a cloudy day and you won't get the reflection, it's worth a side trip in the summer and fall, since huckleberries line the trail on both sides and you can stuff your mouth as well as any water bottles or other containers you may have brought for just that purpose. Continue down the trail for 0.4 miles where you will come across a small stream. The hike follows the river that flows down from the Lakes Basin, so water is plentiful throughout. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 OUT AND BACK OR LOOP: Out and back. At the end of the ramp, turn right at the stop sign onto Forest Road 54. At the east edge of town, the road splits; the left-hand branch leads into the national park. The trail skirts Cottonwood and Mirror Lakes before ascending the rocky ridge to the top of Tinkham Peak. A sno-park permit is required Nov 1-April 30. Turn right onto Military Road S and drive for 4.4 miles, then turn left onto WA-161 S and proceed for 3.9 miles. Mirror Lake is a classic glacial cirque lake. This lake makes for a perfect swimming hole on a hot summer day. ACTIVITIES: Hiking, splashing, fishing, camping. A new parking lot and plaza area was finished in the fall of 2018 located immediately adjacent to Skibowl west along Hwy 26 near Government Camp. Nestled in a quiet basin only a stone’s throw from Snoqualmie Pass, pristine Mirror Lake is a destination to be enjoyed by the whole family. Getting there is easy when driving uphill, but on the downhill you have to overshoot for a little while until you can find a good place to flip a yooey. Drive east on Highway 26. Note: It is also possible to access Mirror Lake from the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead at Windy Pass. Rarely can you find such lovely sites with so little effort, but here, a short trek will take you through forests, across delicate streams, and past brightly colored wildflowers. Mirror Lake via PCT Trail is a 6.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the stone and concrete dam that created the lake during the 1930s. 14. Mirror lake view Great views in the Lake Louise area. From the last traffic light in Sandy, just past the ARCO station, it's 28.0 miles through the communities of Welches, Zigzag, and Rhododendron before you make a right turn for Ski Bowl West and the Mirror Lake Trailhead. Tom Dick and Harry Mountain Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG) Latitude: 45.29695 Longitude: -121.79286 Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps; Elevation: 4115 feet Description . Granted, the mirroring view of Mt. The hike follows the river that flows down from the Lakes Basin, so water is plentiful throughout. Seattle, WA 98104. You will get a good work out … Hiking only to Mirror Lake is 3 miles and 800 feet of elevation gain round trip. Mirror Lake & Tinkham Peak. Use this trailhead address: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mirror-lake-and-cottonwood-lakes, Practice Leave No Trace on Trail and in Camp. Walk carefully across as the rocks are slippery. To reach Mirror Lakes from the Kautz Creek Trailhead: Drive Highway 7 to the small town of Elbe. Mirror Lake is beautiful, with good campsites, though it can fill quickly due to its proximity to the trail. A Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) is required. The steep slopes south and southwest of Mirror Lake are the glacier cirque headwall. The elevation gain to Mirror Lake is gradual, but the hike from Mirror Lake up to Eagle Cap is quite steep. Make another immediate right into the new parking area at the Mirror Lake Trailhead. DIFFICULTY OF TERRAIN: Moderate. Stay in the left 2 lanes to turn left onto S 320th and proceed for 0.8 miles. Nestled in a quiet basin only a stone’s throw from Snoqualmie Pass, pristine Mirror Lake is a destination to be enjoyed by the whole family. Cast a line from the shore and you just might catch a species of trout: rainbow, tiger and brook. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Humming with butterflies, birds, bees, and babbling streams, this trail is not to be missed.From the lower parking area, you’ll notice a small sign pointing toward the Mirror Lake trailhead. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. But - this particular hike attracts people in the droves. Turn east, and follow the trail to Mirror Lakes, about a mile from the Wonderland Trail. You will slowly move up the valley, crossing the river a couple of times, so waterproof boots are a must. Mirror Lake can be snowed in till mid June. The trail is covered with trees and full of switchbacks. The trail climbs down the peak slope into some lower valley and towards the Little Carp River. Scenery Summary: It's a pretty hike, but probably not worthy of the heavy crowds it draws in the summer. Mirror Lake State Park is named for its centerpiece, a lake which often is so calm that not a ripple marks its surface. The trail skirts Cottonwood and Mirror Lakes before ascending the rocky ridge to the top of Tinkham Peak. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Mirror Lake in August is a dry trail, easy hike and at the end of the "lake" (also dry in August) is a stream you can cool off in, with a spectacular view of Half Dome up close. Just a short jaunt from the cabin at Indian Henry's Hunting Grounds is Mirror Lakes, a beautiful little tarn that, in the right weather, reflects Rainier's west-facing slopes beautifully. Turn left onto the West Side Road, the first road to the left after the entrance, briefly paved. Mirror Lake Located in the high Uinta Mountains of Utah, you’ll find Mirror Lake. You can walk there from Curry Village and the parking lots around it, but your best bet is to take the free green shuttle bus to stop 17, Mirror Lake Trailhead, which will take you right to the start of the hike. Length 12.6 miElevation gain 2,040 ftRoute type Out & back Seattle, WA 98104. Proceed with caution along Forest Road 5480 as it runs parallel to the Iron Horse Trail, a popular path for hikers, bikers and cross country skiers. One of Todd & my favorite places to camp is Mirror Lake, Utah. To reach Mirror Lakes via the Tahoma Creek Trail: From the Nisqually entrance of Mount Rainier National Park (off Highway 706), drive east on Nisqually-Longmire Road for 1 mile. Hike to Mirror Lake and Cottonwood Lake near Snoqualmie Pass Posted On August 22, 2020 If you’re looking for a mellow hike to an alpine lake, or a short and not too steep backpacking trip near Seattle, the hike to Mirror Lake is a great option as long as you don’t mind driving on a … Follow the gravel road for 3.2 miles to the end and park.To reach Mirror Lakes via Longmire: From I-5, take exit 143 for S 320th St toward Federal Way. This intersection is signed, but the sign is low to the ground, so can be easy to miss. The trailhead is marked with a wooden marker and set of cairns. Cameras are a must! For me, it is nostalgic for it was my deceased fathers favorite fishing lake and it brings fun memories of him while I am here. The Mirror Lake Hike is an easy hike, no matter your fitness level. 6.1 miles from the turn onto FR 5480, reach the sign for Mirror Lake. Mirror Lake, a three-acre rainbow trout haven, is constantly fed by the 58-degree water flowing from Blanchard Springs Caverns, 14 miles north of Mountain View, off Ark. Mirror Lake, one of the most photogenic and peaceful lakes in the area, is accessible via the Two-Pan Trailhead, off of Upper Lostine Road. The initial trail towards the lake is the Beaver Creek trail (1.2 miles). A trail park pass is required May 15-Oct. 1. Mirror Lake has little water much of the year and, while pleasant at any time of year, it is fullest in spring and early summer, when Tenaya Creek flows freely with fresh snowmelt. This special spot is loved by the locals for the abundant fishing opportunities the lake offers. Difficulty: This is a challenging hike due its length and overall elevation gain, but there is no scrambling or off-trail hiking involved to reach the summit of Eagle Cap once the snow is gone. Mirror Lake, a three-acre rainbow trout haven, is constantly fed by the 58-degree water flowing from Blanchard Springs Caverns, 14 miles north of Mountain View, off Ark. Most people park at the sign marked "Mirror Lake Tr". Horses are also able to use this trail. The rugged Wallowa granite mountains are a unique backdrop to expansive wilderness landscapes The Civilian Conservation Corps built the stone and concrete dam that created the lake during the 1930s. Follow the wide, rocky dirt path approximately 0.5 miles to meet the trailhead for Mirror Lake. The trip to Mirror Lake begins at the Summit Peak Scenic Area. LENGTH OF HIKE: 4.2 miles. If you're coming southbound on the Wonderland, you'll see the junction for Mirror Lakes before reaching this cabin. Mirror Lake is also one of Yosemite's most popular swimming holes. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Mirror Lake Trail [CLOSED] is a 12.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Continue on this road. One of Todd & my favorite places to camp is Mirror Lake, Utah. Get directions, maps, and traffic for Mirror Lake, WA. Continue straight on this road for another 0.6 miles and then turn right, leaving the paved road, onto the gravel Forest Road 5480. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. 14. I decided to go into Mirror Lake the longer way on the Pacific Crest Trail from Windy Pass rather than either of the shorter routes from the Mirror Lake Trailhead or the PCT from the south (see my 8/25/01 trip report on that loop alternative). The first section … Claire Mitchell. Take "hiker's route" a strenuous, 6 mile round trip hike with 2,100 feet of elevation gain to a summit in the Snoqualmie Pass area. But even this, for me, doesn't make the hike an enjoyable one. 24 reviews of Mirror Lake Trail "The Mirror Lake Trail is a pleasant hike, not too hard for families, but not flat like a month old bottle of seltzer. The plaza area includes vaulted toilets, picnic table, information kiosk, bike racks, and trash receptacle. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, nature trips, and horses and is best used from May until November. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Hike by WTA Staff: This allows for a gorgeous, 6-mile round trip ramble along the PCT through stunning old-growth and past imposing Silver Peak.WTA Pro Tip: When you arrive at Mirror Lake, you will come to a junction between the Mirror Lake Trail and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The lake is surrounded by Aspen trees, making this a spectacular destination in the fall. Mount Rainier Area -- SW - Longmire/Paradise. Nestled in a quiet basin only a stone’s throw from Snoqualmie Pass, pristine Mirror Lake is a destination to be enjoyed by the whole family. Mirror Lake, one of the most photogenic and peaceful lakes in the area, is accessible via the Two-Pan Trailhead, off of Upper Lostine Road. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mirror-lakes, Hiker Headlines: Permit Changes, Snow Closures, Outdoor Jobs. Mirror Lake lies at the base of the central one, Blaze Mountain (10400′), which gives you an idea of the sort of terrain involved in the hike. Check flight prices and hotel availability for your visit. Rarely can you find such lovely sites with so little effort, but here, a short trek will take you through forests, across delicate streams, and … Like the least house in an exclusive neighborhood, this hike gets overvalued (and over visited) because it's in Yosemite Valley. If you're looking for a longer hike, turn left when you reach the Mirror Lake-Mirror Lake Shore Trail South Junction, and you'll be on the Tom Dick and Harry Mountain Hike, which enters the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. A new parking lot and plaza area was finished in the fall of 2018 located immediately adjacent to Skibowl west along Hwy 26 near Government Camp. When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs. The most outstanding feature of the hike were the beautiful ripe Huckleberries all along the trail. While many multi-day trips in this area may seem overwhelming to the beginning backpacker, the relatively short trail to Mirror Lake via the Two Pan Trailhead is an excellent sample to what this area has to offer. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 After passing under Silver and Tinkham Peaks, the PCT continues south, curving around a basin and through forest, before reaching quiet Mirror Lake 3.5 miles from the trailhead. This short but scenic trail brings you to Aspen Mirror Lake, a small mountain lake. To start the Mirror Lake hike, head down to the lake from the parking lot and decide which way to complete the loop. This should by no means be attempted by low clearance vehicles. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Hike down pavement to the first bridge on Mirror Lake Trail (0.2 miles) Follow the unpaved trail over 9 bridges and transition onto the steeper Existing Mirror Lake Trail (1.15 miles) Stay right at a junction where the loop around Mirror Lake begins (1.9 miles) Pass campsites and admire Mirror Lake (1.95 miles) ELEVATION GAIN: 672 feet Just a short jaunt from the ranger cabin at Indian Henry's Hunting Grounds is Mirror Lakes, a beautiful little tarn that, in the right weather, reflects Rainier's west-facing slopes beautifully. Fees, Regulations, etc. 4.2 miles into this section, go straight on the middle road and pass Lost Lake. Help. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. From Seattle, head east on I-90 to exit 62 for Stampede Pass/Kachess Lake. Hike by WTA Correspondents: Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Mirror Lake is also one of Yosemite's most popular swimming holes. Mirror Lake, WA Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. Humming with butterflies, birds, bees, and babbling streams, this trail is not to be missed. Provides access to: Mirror Lake Trail #664 which accesses Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. Take "hiker's route" a strenuous, 6 mile round trip hike with 2,100 feet of elevation gain to a summit in the Snoqualmie Pass area. Mirror Lake Trail is not marked with blue diamonds, like other snow trails. 25 Trip Reports for this trail, below Hike by WTA Staff : Anna Roth Just a short jaunt from the ranger cabin at Indian Henry's Hunting Grounds is Mirror Lakes, a beautiful little tarn that, in the right weather, reflects Rainier's west-facing slopes beautifully. The plaza area includes vaulted toilets, picnic table, information kiosk, bike racks, and trash receptacle. Mirror Lake lies at the base of the central one, Blaze Mountain (10400′), which gives you an idea of the sort of terrain involved in the hike. Get into the two left-hand lanes, and turn left onto WA-167 N toward WA 410, then take the exit for 512 W toward 161 S. Proceed on 512 W for 2.5 miles, then exit for South Hill. You will come across wonderful, unobstructed views of the lake and Silver Peak standing tall in the distance. Hike to Bald Mountain is really enjoyable hike here to see from about the dozens of lakes that are in this area. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. After a short but moderately strenuous additional 0.6 miles, you will reach the edges of Mirror Lake. There is a small parking area adjacent to the trailhead that saves the extra 0.5 mile walk; however, it is strongly recommended that this not be attempted unless you have a jeep or other all-terrain vehicle. 207 map. Mirror Lake Trail is a 4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Kamas, Utah that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Legal. Hike to Bald Mountain is really enjoyable hike here to see from about the dozens of lakes that are in this area. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, camping, and backpacking. While the actual side trip to Mirror Lakes is only two miles roundtrip, depending on where you start, you have between a 5 to 6.5 mile approach to the intersection. And don’t forget to bring your bathing suit! The Mirror Lake Trail has the misfortune of being one of the few hikes accessible directly from Highway 26 and thus suffers a crush of visitors on weekends. There are campsites dotted all around the shores of the lake as well as spots that are perfect for a picnic or relaxing in the sun. Scenery Summary: It's a pretty hike, but probably not worthy of the heavy crowds it draws in the summer. In another 0.1 miles consider taking a short detour on the spur trail to Cottonwood Lake. Though the lake is not very large it is stocked with rainbow trout providing … Longmire is about 25 miles from the 'T' intersection before Elbe.Park in the large parking area at Longmire, and head back across the paved highway to find the Trail of the Shadows and your trailhead. Hiking only to Mirror Lake is 3 miles and 800 feet of elevation gain round trip. The trail to the lake is heavily visited … Continue through the Nisqually entrance of the park and look for a parking area with facilities on the right-hand side of the road, just after passing a bridge and culvert. For me, it is nostalgic for it was my deceased fathers favorite fishing lake and it brings fun memories of him while I am here. Continue onto Alder Cutoff Road E for 6.5 miles, then at a 'T' intersection, turn left onto WA-7 S. Drive through the tiny town of Elbe and continue along Hwy 706, which becomes the Paradise Road when you enter the park. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association The lake--pond really--is frequented by swimmers looking to beat the heat on a summer day. Walk closer to the water to experience the mirror effect, easily missed. To extend your hike, start at the Lily Pond trail-head farther south on Summit Peak Road (5.3 miles to cabin). Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Cle Elum Ranger District, Day Hiking: Snoqualmie Pass (Nelson & Bauer - Mountaineers Books), 55 Hikes Around Snoqualmie Pass (Manning & Spring - Mountaineers Books), Buy the Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass No. Both ways grant identical views, and both are thoroughly enjoyable. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.