Near North Mirror Lake Trail
Enjoy beautiful fall colors at Lake of the Clouds.
Near North Mirror Lake Trail
Lake of the Clouds from the Mirror Lake Trail
Near North Mirror Lake Trail
Mirror Lake
Near North Mirror Lake Trail
Lake of the Clouds.
Near North Mirror Lake Trail
A nice August day at Lake of the Clouds

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

North Mirror Lake Trail

4.8 (5 Ratings)
Lake of the Clouds down to Mirror Lake through dense coniferous forest.
4.1
mi
Distance
627
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeLess CrowdedRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.09mi
Distance
627ft
Elevation Gain
432ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
1,654ft
High Point
1,075ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Drop down from the popular Lake of the Clouds overlook to Scott Creek, then up a tight draw over to Trail Creek ending at the wooded shores of Mirror Lake. Excellent camping amongst the deciduous forest can be found here. The Upper Midwestern United States isn't home to many vast swaths of wilderness so the Porkies are a real gem. This section is the portal into this wilderness, so to speak. The popular Lake of the Clouds trailhead is home to many an auto tourist, but for those willing to put in the extra effort and drop down into the wilds, solitude and a true backcountry experience await. In addition to isolation, plenty of quality camping, backcountry lakes, fishing, bird and wildlife options abound as you make your way along quality trail tread past some of the finest scenery the Midwest has to offer.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Sam H