The Trillium Lake Day Use Area sits beside 63-acre Trillium Lake at about 3,600 feet on the Zigzag Ranger District. From Highway 26, turn onto Trillium Lake Road a mile east of Government Camp and drive about 2 miles, past the campground turnoff, to the picnic area and boat launch.
Visitors come to boat, swim, picnic, and fish for trout. The day-use side has the larger of the lake’s two boat ramps, and there is a fishing pier as well. The Trillium Lake Loop Trail circles the water in about 2 miles, with some accessible sections. Expect vault toilets and no drinking water.
Things to do
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Getting there
From Portland, OR
- Travel east on U.S. Hwy 26 for about 40 miles.
- Turn right 1 mile east of Government Camp on Forest Road 2656 (Trillium Lake Road).
- Continue 2 miles (past the campground turn-off) to the entrance day use picnic area or boat launch.
From the Forest Service
Good to know
Trillium Lake Campground and Day Use Area is operated by a concessionaire, Alaska Recreational Management (ARM), under a special use permit issued by Mt. Hood National Forest. Visitors should expect to see ARM employees on the road to Trillium Lake collecting fees.
The day use fee for Trillium Lake Day Use is $10 and the only pass accepted is the $30 Annual Northwest Forest Pass. ("America the Beautiful" passes are NOT accepted in lieu of payment.)
Reservations
Reservations are required through Recreation.gov to use the Amphitheater or the Group Picnic Area.
No reservations are required for the main day use area.
All fees
Day Use:
$10 per vehicle per day
Group Site: $72 per day
Trillium Amphitheater: $90 per day
Passes and permits
The only recreation pass accepted in lieu of day use fee payment is the $30 Annual Northwest Forest Pass.
Season details
May 1, 2026 to December 1, 2026
Accessibility
There is accessible (ADA) fishing available via the fishing pier and boat launch.
Ranger office
Zigzag Ranger District
Address: 70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049
Phone: 503-622-3191
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)