A great family hike that begins at the Wahtum Lake trailhead. You can follow the trail past the wilderness check in station down a steep set of steps, or bear to the right and follow the more gentle, yet longer route down the couple hundred feet to the lake edge and the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. Turn right and follow the PCT east around the lake. The hike gently climbs through a dense forest of mostly fir and hemlock and offers very few views.

In about a mile and a half you reach the junction of Herman Creek Trail #406. Bear left and continue on PCT 2000. You then come to Chinidere Cutoff Trail #406M on your left that you can take back to Wahtum Lake after you enjoy Chinidere Mountain. Just a bit further on your right you will see the trail that leads to the summit of Chinidere Mountain. This part of the hike is quite steep but only about .4 mile in length.

During the wildflower season, I highly recommend that before you climb up to the top of Chinidere, walk just a short distance past its trail to an open area on the PCT. The wildflowers and views are just spectacular. Then head back to the trail that will take you to the summit.

As you climb the fairly steep trail up Chinidere, you almost immediately break out into the open where you will be rewarded with outstanding vistas to the south and west. As you continue to climb this rather steep trail, you will hike in and out of dense forest, but soon you will be climbing the ridge of Chinidere Mountain that will take you to the summit. On a good viewing day you will see Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson to the south, Tanner Butte to the west, and Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams to the northeast peering over the shoulder of Tomlike Mountain (see Hike 06 ).

An alternate route back is to take the Wahtum Lake Cutoff Trail which descends dramatically to the lake and crosses the outlet stream and reconnects with the PCT #2000. Follow the trail back to where you first met it, and climb back uphill to the Wahtum Lake trailhead.

These directions take you from Hood River, Oregon. Whatever direction from which you arrive at Hood River, follow the sign of old US Hwy 30 into town. From the west turn right on 13th Street and follow it up the hill until it merges with 12th. If you are approaching from the east, on US 30, turn left on 9th and follow it up the hill until it merges with 12th. Either way, follow 12th south out of town on what is called Tucker Road or Hwy 281. About 6 miles out of town you will cross the Hood River. Immediately after the bridge, bear right and pass Tucker Park. In about another six miles you need to bear to the right again following signs to Lost Lake. This community is referred to as Dee.

As soon as you cross the railroad tracks, bear left and follow the signs to Lost Lake. This paved road becomes Forest Road 18, and you need to follow it about another 5 miles. Then bear right on Forest Road 13 for another 4 miles. Again, bear right on Forest Road 1310 Forest Road 1310 get a bit narrow in places, especially where it is exposed to the south. Be extremely cautious while driving this section of the road and stay away from the cliff side. Continue on FR1310 for about another 6 miles to the trailhead parking area at Wahtum Lake. This is the trailhead for several hikes.

Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions Vicinity Map To contact the Mt. Hood NF for current information: Click Here.