Snowshoeing at Trillium Lake, Oregon
A Day Trip from Portland
We woke up on a classically rainy morning in Portland, drank a delicious cup of coffee from Albina Press Coffee in Southeast Portland, and dipped into New Season’s Market to grab a sack lunch for a our snowshoeing adventure.
There were 12 of us total in three cars and it happened to be three people’s birthdays. PARTY!
As we drove into the mountains the slight drizzle of rain turned to snow, and it was hard to believe how close we still were to a city.
Trillium Lake Trail
Frozen Lake Trillium
The Trillium Lake Trail is one of many loops in the area for cross country skiing and snowshoeing and it appeals to most because of its easy accessibility and the beauty of the lake.
We arrived at around 1 PM, put on our hiking boots and snow pants, strapped into our snow shoes, and were off. The path starts by winding down a large hill (a fast and intimidating ride for first-time cross country skiers), and then splits to the right to begin the “Trillium Lake Loop.”
The air is fresh, the scenery is beautiful with trees towering overhead and moss covering everything that the snow is not.
Deck built out over the lake
We climbed a small hill off the trail and ate our lunches a half mile before reaching the lake. As we circled the lake. the sun made an appearance opening up a beautiful view of Mt. Hood.
The loop is approximately 5 miles long and is suitable for all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed this day trip and highly recommend it.
Directions to Trillium Lake
Lake Trillium is an hour and a half away from Portland by car, and located 7.5 miles southwest of Mt. Hood.
From Portland, take highway 26 east.
In Sandy, Oregon, the midway point of the drive there is a small equipment rental store on left side of the highway, across the street from Dairy Queen. The store is called Winter Fox Shop (38454 Pioneer Blvd Sandy, 9 AM-6 PM (503) 668-6500). It costs $12 to rent a pair of snowshoes and poles for the day or $14 for a pair of cross country skis.
Another highlight in Sandy is Joe’s Donut Shop, a popular stop off point for day trippers from Portland.
Continue down highway 26 for another 45 minutes until you see a sign that says “Snow Bunny.”
Just past this sign is a parking lot on the right side of the highway. This is the parking lot for the trail head.
On behalf on Nick who is traveling the country with his mobile greenhouse project this summer ( http://bit.ly/q03LBi ), thank you for your comment.
I have hiked a significant portion of the Wildwood Trail and absolutely loved it! Started in Washington Park, passed through the arboretum, and then went into Forest Park, all of which were simply wonderful.
Hi!
I’m not much of a runner but I can imagine that the trails in the Portland area are perfect for it. I’ll most definitely check out Wildwood trail the next time I’m in the area.
Cheers, Nick
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