Trillium Lake
Reservoir Recreational lake beneath Mount Hood, scenic reflections
At the foot of Mount Hood, Trillium Lake offers a classic reflection view of the peak; campers and anglers use its campgrounds, boat ramps and easy loops for photography, paddling and beginner hikes.
Trillium Lake is a small recreational reservoir on the southern slope of Mount Hood in Oregon, created by damming in 1960 and managed as part of the Mount Hood National Forest. It is widely used for outdoor recreation and photography.
The lake was formed in 1960 by the U.S. Forest Service to provide a scenic recreation site and to assist in local water management. Since then it has become a well-established destination for day visitors and campers.
Located on the south side of Mount Hood in the Mount Hood National Forest, the lake sits within the mountain’s recreational corridor and is reachable by forest roads from nearby towns and trailheads.
- Size and trail: Surface area is roughly 65 acres and there is a roughly 1.8-mile (about 3 km) loop trail that circles the lake, popular for easy hikes and photography.
- Best viewing conditions: Best photographic conditions are typically in the morning or on calm days when Mount Hood reflects on the lake surface; the site is used year-round for hiking, camping and snowshoeing.
How to Get to Trillium Lake #
From Government Camp on Oregon Highway 26, follow signs to Trillium Lake day-use area; the drive is roughly 10-15 minutes. The lake is in Mount Hood National Forest and is accessible by car in summer; winter road conditions can close access.
Tips for Visiting Trillium Lake #
- Arrive at sunrise for typically calm water and perfect reflections of Mount Hood.
- Start at the day-use area on the southwest side for shorter walks and good viewpoints.
- In winter the lake freezes; bring microspikes if planning a walk on icy trails.
Best Time to Visit Trillium Lake #
Best at sunrise in summer and fall for reflections of Mount Hood and calmer conditions; expect more crowds on summer weekends.
Weather & Climate near Trillium Lake #
Trillium Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1985 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (311 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (228 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (205 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 26 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (279 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (320 mm).
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