Enid Lake Ski + Snowshoe Loop Trail

The Enid Lake Loop is part of the wonderfully accessible network of Government Camp trails that branch off of the main trail, Crosstown. While neither the elevation gain nor the distance of the Enid Lake Loop are particularly daunting, don’t mistake this for a wide, groomed beginner trail. It is a wooded, backcountry trail that is narrow and not groomed. But don’t be intimidated! It is a short loop, so there is time to move carefully through the challenging sections, and some of the same features that make this an intermediate experience are also the reason this loop is so lovely. 

Your ski will take you through lush cedar, hemlock and fir. You will ski over and beside the small creeks that feed and drain Enid throughout the loop, and if you are lucky enough to be there on a clear day, you will have great views of Mount Hood looming over this tiny mountain lake. The trail gains and loses elevation as it snakes around the lake, so the 2-mile loop may be enough skiing for the day. If not, continue on to the Glacier View Loop or the short Kurt’s Connection near the parking area for a few laps.
 

Recommended Gear

Before you head out on your next Mount Hood adventure, make sure you have the right gear! 

Here's a list of our go-to snowshoeing essentials to get you started:

Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe

Men's and Women's • $229.95 • Cushioned, Made in USA, Ultralight, 98.8 oz

Jacket/Shell: Arc'teryx Zeta AR Jacket

Men's and Women's • $475.00 • Waterproof, Adjustable Drawcord Hem, Pit Zips, GORE-TEX

Pack: Mammut Nirvana Pro Pack 

$189.95 • 35L, Carry-On Size, Hip Belt, Ice Axe / Pole Loops, Hydration Compatible

Insulating Layer: Moosejaw Dequindre Down Jacket

Men's and Women's • $134.25 • Water-resistant, Insulated, Adjustable Drawcord Hem

Poles: Black Diamond Traverse Pole 

$79.95 • Aluminum, Adjustable with Lever Lock System, 21 oz.

Gloves: The North Face GORE-TEX Gloves

Men's Powdercloud • $181.61 • Waterproof, Adjustable, Insulated, GORE-TEX

Boots: Vasque Snowblime UltraDry Boot

Men's and Women's • $149.95 • Waterproof, Cushioned, Insulated

Gaiters: Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter 

Men's and Women's • $64.95 • Waterproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Abrasion-resistant

If you are snowshoeing into avalanche terrain, you should be prepared, equipped and educated on how to use avalanche rescue and snow safety gear - including but not limited to an avalanche beacon/transceiver, probe, and shovel.