An easy, mostly level walk around Trillium Lake, the Trillium Lake Loop Trail #761 makes a good family outing, with views of Mt. Hood across the water. The 2-mile loop starts and ends at the lake’s dam, reached by Forest Road 2656 (Trillium Lake Loop Road) from US Hwy 26, about 31 miles east of Sandy.
Designed to be barrier free, the path mixes wooden boardwalk with finely compacted rock and has a few benches, so it works well for strollers and visitors with limited mobility. It runs through Trillium Lake Campground, near the day use area, and across wetlands that are good for bird watching. Skiers use it in winter too.
Trail map & elevation
- Trail class
- Class 5 of 5
- Typical grade
- 12-20%
- Surface
- Native material
- Tread width
- 18-24 inches
- Ranger district
- Zigzag
Line, length and trail class: U.S. Forest Service trail data. Elevation: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Difficulty is our estimate for hiking it out and back (once around for a loop), from distance and total climb. Lines can be off by a few hundred feet; carry a real map and check the official page for closures.
Things to do
- Outdoor Science and Learning
- Wildlife viewing
Getting there
From Portland, OR
- Travel 31 miles east of Sandy on US Hwy 26 and turn south on Trillium Lake Loop Road (Forest Road 2656) (across from the Snow Bunny Sno-Park).
- Take Trillium Lake Loop Road (Forest Road 2656) for 2.5 miles, passing Trillium Lake Campground and Day Use Area turns.
- The road will bear right and go down to the lake’s dam.
- Parking is just before the dam.
- The trail starts at either end of the dam.
From the Forest Service
Good to know
Portions of the boardwalk on Trillium Lake Loop Trail have been and continue to be replaced for accessibility needs, thanks to support from the National Forest Foundation and other partners.
Rules and restrictions
Dogs must be on a leash on the Trillium area ski trails.
Passes and permits
A State of Oregon Sno-Park permit is required November 1 through April 30 at Trillium Lake. There is no formal trail fee, but a $3 donation is recommended. Donations pay for volunteers grooming the trail for winter recreation use.
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)
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