The Story Behind the Trillium Lake Airstrip
Just southwest of Mount Hood, Trillium Lake is known for its mirror-like views of the mountain, peaceful waters, and easy access from Government Camp. But above the lake sits an open, dirt-packed stretch of ground that locals have long referred to as the Trillium Lake Airstrip. It’s not an actual airstrip, but it has become something of a legend among those who know the mountain well.
A Misleading Name with Real Roots
Despite the name, the Trillium Lake Airstrip has never been a functioning landing strip. It’s not registered with the FAA, nor are there any known records of aviation activity in the area. The name likely comes from the look of the land — a long, flat, open dirt patch that resembles a backcountry airstrip from a distance. It may have been used informally for land management or utility access in the past, but its aviation history is, at best, speculative.
Today, it serves a very different purpose.
Free Camping with a View
The so-called airstrip has become a popular site for dispersed camping, particularly during the summer months. Located just a short drive from Timberline Lodge, the spot has turned into a seasonal basecamp for snowboarders and skiers hiking up to ride Palmer Glacier well into the warmer months.
It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations, no fees, and no established amenities. What it offers instead is open space, clear mountain air, and one of the best up-close views of Mt. Hood you can find without a permit. Campers roll in with everything from small tents to large RVs, often staying a night or two between glacier laps or weekend hikes.
A Culture of Simplicity
What makes the Trillium Lake Airstrip special isn't the infrastructure — it’s the lack of it. This is a place where people set up their own campfires, pack out their trash, and rely on each other for trail tips, weather updates, or a spare propane tank.
It has become a symbol of the kind of outdoor experience that’s harder to find these days: spontaneous, low-cost, and deeply rooted in local tradition. You won’t find signage, rangers, or gift shops — just an open stretch of earth and the backdrop of one of Oregon’s most iconic peaks.
Honoring the Legacy
Our Trillium Lake Airstrip design is a tribute to this unofficial landmark. With Mt. Hood in the background, a vintage plane in the foreground, and a few small nods to the people who have called this place home for a weekend or a whole season, the design captures the spirit of the airstrip — even if it was never used for flight.
The idea behind the artwork is simple: honor the places that don’t make it into the travel brochures but matter just as much. Places built not by permits and plans, but by people showing up, year after year.
More Than a Patch of Dirt
The Trillium Lake Airstrip is not an official destination. There are no maps, no markers, and no established trail leading to it. But for those who know about it — who’ve parked there, camped there, or started their morning with a view of Hood from there — it represents something worth remembering.
And now, maybe something worth wearing.