Clackamas County Office Of Tourism Celebrates Completion Of Trillium Lake Boardwalk
Reconstructed trail section enhances visitor access to iconic lake loop
Clackamas County’s Office of Tourism (d.b.a. Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory), the entity responsible for managing and marketing Clackamas County, is pleased to announce the completion of the Trillium Lake Boardwalk, a beloved destination located in the Mt. Hood National Forest. This milestone project, supported through a $132,250 grant from Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory to the National Forest Foundation (NFF), reopens the loop around Trillium Lake, enhancing visitor access and long-term sustainability to one of Oregon’s most photographed natural areas.
The recently completed work rebuilt the final two sections of the aging boardwalk, which was originally constructed in the early 1990s. These final segments create a refreshed and safer pathway along the popular Trillium Lake Loop Trail. The boardwalk crosses several marshy stretches, offering hikers an elevated and level path while protecting the delicate wetland habitat. The new and improved boardwalk is wider than the original, enhancing accessibility for visitors with limited mobility.
“This project shows how thoughtful tourism investments can make a big difference for visitors and residents alike, while also protecting our public lands,” said Lizzie Keenan, executive director of Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory. “Trillium Lake is such a beloved spot, and with the new and improved boardwalk, even more people can safely and sustainably enjoy its incredible beauty.”
Trillium Lake offers a scenic and family-friendly two-mile loop trail with postcard-worthy views of Mt. Hood. The lake draws paddle boarders, kayakers, cyclists, hikers, campers and other visitors for its calm waters, seasonal wildflowers and wildlife. While the trail’s mix of wooded sections and open lakefront vistas make it a year-round favorite. For the best experience visit midweek or in fall when the summer crowds have left.
The ribbon cutting celebrating the official opening of the Trillium Lake boardwalk.
“The National Forest Foundation is proud to have a part in improving accessibility at Trillium Lake, one of the most iconic destinations on the Mt. Hood National Forest,” said Jeff Malik, Pacific Northwest program manager at the National Forest Foundation. “We are grateful for the support of Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory, the Mt. Hood National Forest, and our other partners in this venture to rebuild the boardwalks around Trillium Lake.”
While the boardwalk is now fully reconstructed, visitors should note that other trail sections, managed separately by the U.S. Forest Service, may not meet full ADA accessibility standards. The loop remains a mostly flat, approachable hike where visitors can enjoy a close-up look at Mt. Hood’s grandeur, rich biodiversity, and peaceful forest habitat. Additionally, vehicle access to Trillium Lake is seasonal and open April 1 through November 30 annually. Make sure to check live weather and trail updates.
A public ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the project’s completion was held September 24th, 2025 and was attended by staff of Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory, The National Forest Foundation, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon State Parks, Timberline Lodge and other community members.
This initiative is part of a larger commitment by the NFF, in partnership with Clackamas County’s Office of Tourism and the Forest Service, to restore and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Visitors are encouraged to check omht.us/clackamas for campground reservations and trail condition updates. You can also learn more about the work of the National Forest Foundation.
