Open seasonally, I’ve wanted to stop by this place ever since I first learned of it on this very trail 5 years ago. The trail leaves the camp near the outhouse. I had wanted to hike to the Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain portion of the hike, but we just ran out of daylight a week after daylight savings time in November. The basic directions for the hike to Mirror Lake are: Start from the Mirror Lake Trailhead by Ski Bowl West (0 miles) 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) There is also an additional hike … Well, I’m happy to say that I completed yet another winter hike the following week! I have heard the walk around Lake Placid's Mirror Lake referred to as "the fitness trail." Mirror Lake Winter Loop is a 1 mile less popular winter/fatbike only trail located near Chugiak-Eagle River Alaska. Mirror Lake was a good turn around point though - and it didn't disappoint. And therein, lies the problem. We set up camp on a flat spot in front of the frozen lake while it was snowing. This wasn’t the case with the area we started. After this we trekked back to the car. Enter your email address to follow me via email. As I was getting ready to head up, I saw a couple exiting the trailhead, and I asked them how it was. The nature trails and roads throughout the park and campground can make for a wonderful winter experience. The new Green area has one mile of easier trails, while a few short expert-only black-diamond trails are found deeper in the trail system. In dry years and later in the summer, don’t expect much “mirror” as it rarely has water. Mirror Lake is often referred to as Mirror Meadow in late summer due to the lack of water and the influx of grasses and sandy areas. Mirror Lake is a very popular spot in the Yosemite Valley and definitely a must see to check off your explore list. Views of Mt Hood from a small backcountry lake are a big draw for this trail. After finding the appropriate parking area, we were off. I highly recommended getting the annual mirror lake highway pass for only $40, especially if you like to hike/camp/backpack here in Summer anyway. All I could think of while seeing this was Matt Foley (Chris Farley) living in a van down by the river. All xc ski trails are marked by blue diamonds on trees. (Looking for this post I discovered that I started Hiking Hungry in 2015. I can say with certainty that I didn’t completely hate it. ( Log Out / 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. Seasonality. Mirror Lake Loop Hike April 26, 2016. It accesses Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. The Spanish Peaks house some of the most pristine mountain lakes around and if you’re willing to venture deep within the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Mirror Lake is an excellent option for a first overnight in the area. The solution for folks wanting to enjoy a winter hike while still having the guidance of marked trail may be a visit to Rocky Arbor State Park. The elevation gain to Mirror Lake is gradual, but the hike from Mirror Lake up to Eagle Cap is quite steep. The experimental winter hike took place at Lake Kegonsa State Park on a 31 degree day. Wisconsin’s Lake Kegonsa State Park, Winter Edition, My First Winter Hike, Wisconsin’s Governor Dodge State Park — Pine Cliff Trail, A Spring Hike with Birds and Views Abound, Wisconsin’s Mirror Lake State Park — Winter Edition, My Second Winter Hike, Wisconsin’s Nelson Dewey State Park — Views from the Bluff and Turn of the Century History, Wisconsin’s Magnolia Bluff County Park, A Wisconsin State Natural Area, Country Views from the Bluff. hood from the little lake (and it is a little lake) is picturesque - on a nice, clear day. The changes make it feel like a whole new hike. The trail to the lake is heavily visited and is kid friendly for the adventurous family. Like I said, exploring it from all angles. The steep slopes south and southwest of Mirror Lake are the glacier cirque headwall. We hadn’t been to Mirror Lake in almost 5 years, mostly due to how crowded and crazy this hike gets, and we had definitely never snowshoed it. Photo: The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust. We planned to hike the Lakeview Trail to the Echo Rock Trail, maybe including the Sandstone Trail if we weren’t too cold. Be extremely cautious of ice conditions at all times. This trail is a two mile hike from the plaza to Mirror Lake. They said that the waters were very calm, and the view was amazing…they even gave me some good spots for pics. (Honestly, I kind of thought that I would.) Please yield to uphill riders. Mirror Lake Loop Rockfall The trail is covered with trees and full of switchbacks. I reviewed the winter park map before I left and planned a route, making sure to note which trails were for hiking and which … Hiking/Snowshoeing Mirror Lake (Winter Hike) This hike we explored earlier in the year, however it is definitely a place to return to in the Winter. Yellow Pine TH 6.2 miles from Kamas, UT. Mirror Lake is a park that I’ve been to before, back in May 2016 to be exact. I even have an old blog post about it. We had picked a prime camping spot, and were the only ones on the lake to boot! This day was a little colder than the first but variation in scenery made it worth it. There aren’t any statistics about it, but it’s believed that this is the most hiked trail in the Mount Hood forest. There are several TH’s to begin skiing. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Looking back, it was a pleasant enough experience and I didn’t totally hate it. Mirror Lake winter maps. Snow Creek tends to mainly have backpackers and is much quieter… but it’s a brutal slog. These lots were very clearly marked with signs for hiking, skiing, or both. So winter hike number two is in the books. Full disclosure, we got a little lost on the way back. For the amount of people on the … The Tom, … It’s such a popular hike that there was a write-up about the trail in the March 11, 1934 edition of The Oregonian. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. I inquired at the Lake Placid/Essex County Convention and Visitor's Bureau and am told that though it is a nice 2.7-mile walk there are no fitness stations along the easily recognizable red-bricked sidewalk. In the late … Mirror Lake Loop Trail is a lovely stroll through the woods in Yosemite National Park. 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. Last Modified: December 14, 2019. This is mainly due to how accessible it is year-round and how easy the hike is compared to harder hikes in the valley like the Mist Trail. Hiking, camping, and cooking my way around Wisconsin. There aren’t any statistics about it, but it’s believed that this is the most hiked trail in the Mount Hood forest. 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. To hike the southern half of Mirror Lake Loop Trail to Mirror Lake, walk a quarter mile on the main paved trail from the Mirror Lake Shuttle Stop. Crater Lake was only about a quarter mile from Mirror Lake. The loop is nice and is less crowded. That’s nuts!) Please note, during the winter snow season most trails are groomed for cross-country ski season and hiking is not allowed. Maybe dinner on the first night will finally be the time! Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. But even this, for me, doesn't make the hike an enjoyable one. We recommend riding with a bell for safety. Skiers, please note due to Covid-19 the park office is not open and is not available for use as a warming/changing space during the ski season. Exhibits along the trail tell the story of Mirror Lake's lake-to-meadow succession, and also highlight some of the cultural history of the area. It’s a pretty and easy hike with basically no elevation gain and is open year round (which makes it a great option if visiting in winter!). In the winter Rocky Arbor State Park is not staffed, however hikers & snowshoers may park … Mirror Lake is accessible all year, but I think the best time to explore it is during the Winter months. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/wisconsin/mirror-lake-state-park (Curse you winter park maps!) In the winter Rocky Arbor State Park is not staffed, however hikers & snowshoers may park outside the front gate (not blocking the road of course) and trek in. Granted, the mirroring view of Mt. I had to watch that sketch after typing this. Echo Rock trail (0.6 miles) This paved, accessible trail begins near the Cliffwood campground or boat landing parking areas. Be aware, park staff do not monitor ice conditions on the lake. If you are looking for a quick and easy hike in the Yosemite Valley, Mirror Lake is a great option. The Mirror Lake Singletrack consists of five miles of preferred-use mountain bike trails. ( Log Out / This is a pretty simple hike up to Mirror Lake, and on the weekends the place gathers many hikers and campers. This multi-use trail can be used both directions. I relied heavily on the map for a bit. While winter hiking and snowshoeing are allowed at Mirror Lake State Park, most trails are groomed for cross country skiing and non-skiers are encouraged to stay off of them. I have a camping trip scheduled for the park this summer. Mirror Lake is a park that I’ve been to before, back in May 2016 to be exact. With the right investment in cold weather hiking gear, I’ll be all in on this in no time! Change ). Just before the stone bridge, turn right and pick up the dirt and rock trail to remain on the south side of the creek. On average it … Winter hike number two took place at Mirror Lake State Park outside of Baraboo. Hiking … (Looking for this post I discovered that I started Hiking Hungry in 2015. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. In the spring, fresh snowmelt can make it unsafe. Crowds are much smaller if you go during the winter, but some parts of the water might be iced over. This was a popular spot for ice fishing and walking on the lake. There are several vault toilet facilities available for public use at the campgrounds along the highway. I even have an old blog post about it. Mirror Lake is accessible all year, but I think the best time to explore it is during the Winter months. In winter it can be icy and snowy, especially along the south side of Tenaya Creek. The lake is a nice area to get water since it is above the camp and offers some excellent views. That’s nuts!). Mirror Lake- Snowshoe (Winter 2019) Leave a reply. (The winter is their time to dominate the trail systems.) Leaf Peeping in Yosemite Valley and Hiking Mirror Lake Loop October 19, 2017. You truly get all the four seasons on the majority of our hiking trails. All in all, the takeaway of the good points of this hike is that it is a good workout with some lovely views. Hike Brief Mirror Lake was made famous in this photo by Ansel Adams. Typically, the road is open to regular traffic mid-May to mid-fall. Hiking Through Dogwood Blooms at Mirror Lake April 30, 2018. Mirror Lake is an iconic hike in Yosemite that has been a go-to for tourists and photographers for decades. I reviewed the winter park map before I left and planned a route, making sure to note which trails were for hiking and which were for skiing. I love friendly people. The nature trail has two vertical staircases and require a bit of caution in the winter. Unlike many other “local” hotspots, the access point is reasonably close to Bozeman and the road is in great shape. Cross-country skiing. ( Log Out / We eventually found our way back but I am sorry for the poor directions we provided to the other group. There are so many options when it comes to snowshoeing in Banff. Winter hike number two took place at Mirror Lake State Park outside of Baraboo. Mirror Lake Hike - Hiking in Portland, Oregon and Washington After hiking along the frozen lake, we reached the boat launch. Now to Echo Rock! 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. It’s a better springtime hike. Continuing on the trail we started to loop back towards the parking area. This is one of the great reasons why I love hiking in Oregon. It’s such a popular hike that there was a write-up about the trail in the March 11, 1934 edition of The Oregonian. Mirror Lake Highway is a seasonal road and is closed to automobiles during the winter due to heavy snow accumulation. Distance: 9.4 mi (15.1 km) round trip Elevation gain: 2,700 ft (820 m) Difficulty: Strenuous Time: 6-7 hours Begin at: Mirror Lake Trailhead (shuttle stop #17) This trail is tucked back in Tenaya Canyon, accessed from the eastern Yosemite Valley. It’s worth noting again that you are on your own at Rocky Arbor State Park in the winter. Trails are two-way unless otherwise designated. After about an hour of heavy snow, the clouds cleared up to reveal Lone Eagle Peak at its finest! Mirror Lake in Yosemite: Winter and Summer. I know, that’s kind of sad and disgraceful for someone who loves to hike and lives in Wisconsin. Mirror Lake (mile 4.3, 10,640') Take the trail up climber's right out of Outpost Camp to Mirror Lake. ( Log Out / As I was driving to Trillium, I remember passing the Mirror Lake trailhead, and decided that I’d head back there to see what it was all about. This scenic formation has a trail named after it, so you know it’s cool. On one side of Echo Rock, Ishnala Supper Club is visible through the trees. Most are located off the Mirror Lake Highway. While winter hiking and snowshoeing are allowed at Mirror Lake State Park, most trails are groomed for cross country skiing and non-skiers are encouraged to stay off of them. The trailhead you take to get there is well marked and can be found at the far east end of Yosemite Valley. Check UDOT for the latest information on seasonal road closures. Sources: Yosemite Nature Notes 46(2) (1977) Mirror Lake. With just a bit more elevation gain to contend to, about 100 feet, this is a nicer hiking option than the main paved trail. This trail offers a scenic vista of Mirror Lake and a connection to the Ishnala trail across a 150 … Go to our maps page for a printable Rocky Arbor State Park Map. There is maybe 650 feet elevation, and it is mostly after the first 3/4 of a mile...fairly gentle slopes. This bridge was especially stunning against the snow-white backdrop. If you would like to hike a loop around the lake it is an additional 0.4 miles. Late spring and early summer are the best times for a dip; the water is calm and peaceful. From an overlook point I noticed this structure of true dedication to ice fishing. Directions: Take Highway 26 to Skibowl West where you will take an immediate right into the parking area once off the highway. Comedic genius. 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. Leaf Peeping in Yosemite Valley October 23, 2014. There are over 19 miles of hiking trails at Mirror Lake State Park. Being at a park I wasn’t as familiar with, the first thing I noticed is that finding the actual trailhead was difficult. You will get a good work out and you'll see some pretty views, but you will also see crowds. Mirror Lake is a classic glacial cirque lake. A winter hike to the Big Beehive and Mirror Lake will take you through the woods high above the lake, granting you a great workout, solitude, and in February in Banff, plenty of snow. This trail is open year-round. A wide trail most of the way - well cut. Winter view looking east from the Snow Creek trail Trail Overview. This year was the first time I attempted a real winter hike. Mirror Lake is not actually a lake, it’s just a wider part of Tenaya Creek, which comes all the way down from Tenaya Lake. There is no staff nearby if you get into trouble and no quick access to shelter or heat of any kind. Mirror Lake Loop Hike November 7, 2012. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/mirror-lake-loop-trail Proceed with caution. Driving Map The solution for folks wanting to enjoy a winter hike while still having the guidance of marked trail may be a visit to Rocky Arbor State Park. We found ourselves wandering around the campground with a few people (who were also lost) following us. 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