Trillium lake is a popular destination to get out and enjoy the day any time of year. I like going in the winter to enjoy a beautiful day in the snow. Great for xc skiing and snowshoeing around the 3.6 mile loop you get a beautiful view of Mount Hood once you reach the lake. This is a popular rest area to take pictures of the lake and Mount Hood, eat a snack and take a picture of a gray jay landing on you. The loop is mainly flat with small hills and is dog friendly.
You must have a snow park permit in your car window or you may get a fine. The parking lot can get very busy and I have seen cars parked too close making it a challenge to get out of your parking spot.
Once you start down the trail from the parking lot you will go down a small hill. Once this flattens out you come to a fork in the road. You can go either directions because it is a loop. I always just stay left as with most of the visitors. You will see some trails going off the main loop but unless you know where you are going and planning going off the main loop, don't take them. Stay on the main loop and soon you will come to the lake. You can walk to the right of the lake to the dock or hang out along the path to take in the view of Mount Hood. During the winter months the lake will be frozen and snow covered. A bird called the gray jay lives in alpine regions and they know to hang out by the lake hoping to get fed. The will land on your hand if you hold out food for them.
After you took in a snack and got you pictures, continue on your way. You will come to another area where you could take a wrong turn. Stay to the right on the main path. You will end up passing a few cabins along your way. They are beautiful covered in snow. When you come to a T in the trail, stay right. This will be at the big meadow. Look out for the tiny cemetery on your right if it is not completely covered by the snow. Not too much further and you reach the first fork in the road. Turn left here and you will walk up the hill back to the parking lot.
There is no bathroom so it is best to stop at Government Camp before hand. Don't forget water and dress in layers and weather appropriate.
