Tom Dick and Harry Mountain is a 9.4-mile round-trip hike in Mt. Hood National Forest, Clackamas County, Oregon, beginning at the Mirror Lake Trailhead on US-26 near Government Camp, approximately 1 hour east of Portland. The trail first passes Mirror Lake — a high alpine lake renowned for its reflective view of Mt. Hood — before continuing to the open summit ridge at 5,066 feet. A Recreation Area Pass ($5 per day) or America the Beautiful pass must be displayed; the trailhead is a paved pullout directly along US-26 and fills by mid-morning on summer weekends. No transit serves the area.
The trail begins with a 1.5-mile climb through old-growth Douglas fir to Mirror Lake, situated in a glacial cirque below the south face of Mt. Hood. The lake is among the most photographed vantage points in the Pacific Northwest — on calm mornings the still surface reflects a nearly perfect inverted image of the 11,249-foot volcano above. The trail continues past the lake, climbing steeply on rocky switchbacks through progressively open subalpine terrain. The final half-mile to the summit ridge is an exposed scramble over boulders and rocky outcrops with winds that can exceed 40 mph on exposed days.
The Tom Dick and Harry summit ridge delivers unobstructed views of Mt. Hood's south face, the Timberline Lodge ski area, Sandy Glacier, and Zigzag Canyon below. On clear days, Mt. Jefferson and Three Sisters are visible to the south, and Mt. Adams appears to the north. The ridge is broad enough to explore along its length; the highest elevation is at the eastern end. Wildflowers including penstemon, paintbrush, and heather bloom in the open rocky zones in July.
The trail gains approximately 1,900 feet over 9.4 miles. The surface transitions from forest dirt to rocky alpine terrain above Mirror Lake. Trail markings become less consistent above the lake; staying on the main path toward the ridge is important. Snow lingers on the upper rocky sections until late June most years, and microspikes may be needed into early summer.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Mt. Hood National Forest, Clackamas County
- Best season
- June–October
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Trekking poles for rocky summit section
- Layers (wind on summit)
Location
Mirror Lake Trailhead, US-26, Government Camp, OR 97028
45.3001, -121.7560 View on map
Highlights
- Mirror Lake — a glacial cirque lake with a near-perfect reflective surface for photographing Mt. Hood on calm mornings
- Tom Dick and Harry summit ridge at 5,066 ft with unobstructed views of Mt. Hood's south face and Sandy Glacier
- Open alpine ridge walking with wildflowers — penstemon, paintbrush, and heather — blooming in July
- Timberline Lodge and ski runs visible from the summit ridge, with Government Camp visible in the valley below
Tips for visiting
- Visit Mirror Lake on weekday mornings for the best chance of calm reflective conditions before afternoon wind disturbs the surface.
- A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required at the trailhead; the Oregon State Parks annual pass does not apply here.
- The summit ridge is fully exposed; carry a wind layer and expect strong gusts even on otherwise mild summer days.
- Snow can persist on the upper rocky sections into late June; microspikes are recommended before late June in most years.
- The trailhead pullout on US-26 fills by 9 a.m. on summer weekends; limited overflow parking adds distance to the hike.
When to visit
Late June through September offers the best conditions — a snow-free upper trail, wildflowers in July, and clear summit views. Early morning starts (before 8 a.m.) are recommended to catch calm reflective conditions at Mirror Lake before afternoon wind arrives.
Accessibility
Tom Dick and Harry Mountain Trail is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. The trail involves significant elevation gain, forest terrain, and boulder scrambling on the upper summit ridge section. No accessible viewpoints or paved alternatives exist at this trailhead.
Frequently asked questions
Can hikers visit Mirror Lake without going all the way to the summit?
Yes. Mirror Lake is reached at approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead, well before the summit ridge. Many hikers visit the lake as a destination in itself, making it a 3-mile round-trip that is suitable for a wider range of fitness levels.
How difficult is the hike to Tom Dick and Harry Mountain?
The hike is rated moderate, with 1,900 feet of elevation gain over 9.4 miles. The trail to Mirror Lake is well-traveled and well-marked. Above the lake, the terrain becomes rockier and steeper, with some boulder scrambling on the summit ridge section and exposure to strong wind.
What are the views like from the summit ridge?
The summit ridge offers unobstructed views of Mt. Hood's south face, Timberline Lodge, Sandy Glacier, and Zigzag Canyon. On clear days, Mt. Jefferson and Three Sisters are visible to the south, and Mt. Adams to the north. The ridge provides a broader panorama than the lake viewpoint below.
When does the trail become snow-free?
Mirror Lake is typically snow-free by late May or early June. The upper rocky sections above the lake may retain snow patches until late June in heavy snow years. Checking recent hiking reports before departure gives the most current conditions for the season.