It’s springtime – get out the snowshoes!

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Spring heralds the arrival of showers, flowers and outdoor activities. But for those who love the mountains, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy what could be the final snowshoe outing of the year. Bluebird days and fresh spring powder offer a respite from the allergen-filled Willamette Valley. A brisk snowshoe workout combined with a picnic lunch is – in my opinion – the perfect weekend outing.

An outing my wife and I enjoy, either winter or summer, is the trail to Mirror Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The trailhead is accessible directly from Highway 26 and the hike is relatively easy, so it receives heavy use from late spring to late fall. Late in the winter, however, the parking lot gets snow-bound, so you have to park east at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl and snowshoe nearly a mile to the trailhead. It’s still worth it. Don’t forget your Sno-Park Permit, $3 per day or $20 annual, available at many ski shops and gas stations.

From the trailhead to Mirror Lake is about 1.4 miles, with an elevation gain of 780 feet. You can extend your trip by either trekking around the lake or up nearby Tom Dick and Harry Mountain – or both!

As you’re hiking or snowshoeing, remember to practice good stewardship by staying on the trail, packing out your waste and leaving no trace of your visit. That will ensure a positive experience for the next visitor.

For a pretty good YouTube of the snowshoe version, visit Oregon Exploration’s video, 

Paul Barnum

Photo: Lenticular cloud hovers over Mt. Hood (taken near Mirror Lake, March 2012).