Mirror Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

ACTIVITIES: Hiking, splashing, fishing, camping LENGTH OF HIKE: 4.2 miles OUT AND BACK OR LOOP: Out and back DIFFICULTY OF TERRAIN: Moderate ELEVATION GAIN: 672 feet PARKING FEE/PASS: Yes TOILETS: No CHANGING TABLE: No NURSING BENCHES: No DOGS ALLOWED: Yes BIKES/HORSES/MOTORS ON TRAIL: No CELL RECEPTION: Spotty DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE: No POTENTIAL CHILD OR BABY HAZARDS: Lake GEAR SUGGESTIONS: Hiking poles, bug spray Just one of the many beautiful hikes in the Mount Hood area, Mirror Lake is an excellent choice with toddlers and babies because of both the shorter distance and the reward of the mountain and lake views. Here’s the warning we will give about this hike: It’s a butt burner on the way up. There are some bridges to cross and a point where you’ll reach some solid switchbacks, but that said, most of it can be hiked by a little one who is used to hiking. If you’re a flatlander, plan to take it slow because this hike is at 4,000 feet above sea level. What we like about this trail is that it’s fairly wide, and once you reach the lake, the 0.5 mile around the lake is completely flat and will give you a lot of picture-perfect moments of Mount Hood and Mirror Lake. You’ll also enjoy the boardwalks around the lake that help preserve the landscape and keep hikers in the area on trail. Wildlife you can expect to see here are blacktailed deer, chipmunks, squirrels, maybe red foxes, coyotes, gophers, mice, and maybe even black bears if you are lucky. They keep themselves pretty well hidden in this area, though. If you’re feeling up for another climb, head up Tom Dick and Harry for an additional 1.8 miles and an even more impressive view of the area. This is not very kid friendly, and there is some scrambling at the top, so you might consider leaving one parent and kid behind for the quick climb. Or consider spending the weekend here and camp at Mirror Lake Campground. If you choose to camp, bring your bug spray because as the temps cool, the bugs come out fiercely due to the proximity of water. There are six campsites scattered around the lake, so they can fill up quickly on a weekend. It helps that they are walk-in and that the Mount Hood area has plenty of dispersed free camping. A pass is required for parking at this location, so make sure you have either a Northwest Forest Pass or a National Parks Pass displayed in your window. Rangers do frequent this spot and will ticket. Make sure to note that Mirror Lake Trail is closed from November 1 to April 30. INSIDER’S TIP If you like huckleberry milkshakes, head up the road into Government Camp and look for the Huckleberry Inn. Also consider making a quick drive up to Timberline Lodge if you are there in the summer. The beautiful old lodge was built in 1937 as part of a Conservation Corps project during the Great Depression. It’s also the building you see in the classic Stanley Kubrick movie featuring Jack Nicholson, “The Shining.” Hiking around the lodge is fun for kids, and if you look up on the mountain, you can see skiers and snowboarders shredding the glacier in the summer.