Chinidere Mountain Loop Hike

Overview

This trip around stately Wahtum Lake is the classic mountain hike, featuring wildflowers, lake vistas, spectacular mountain views and even a rushing stream, all packed into an easy loop hike within the boundaries of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The view of Mount Hood from the rocky summit of Chinidere Mountain is among the finest in the Columbia Gorge high country. From the wilderness entry station, you will be presented with the first fork in a maze of trails that crisscross the Wahtum Lake basin. Skip the Wahtum Express route, and its endless string of steep wooden steps, and take the Wahtum Horse Route (no. 406H) to the right. This trail switchbacks once in an easy 0.4 mile descent to the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000), near the lake shore. Turn right on the PCT, and hike through attractive, mature stands of noble fir, mountain hemlock, and Douglas-fir as the trail gradually curves above the lake, circling the east shore. Soon, the trail pulls away from the lake and heads through younger forest of noble fir and bear-grass to a junction with the Herman Creek Trail (no. 406) at the 2.0 mile mark, where the PCT route turns left. Continue on the PCT for a short distance to a junction with the mile-long Chinidere Cutoff Trail (no. 406M) on the left (your return route on the loop), followed almost immediately by the trail to Chinidere Mountain, on the right. But before heading to the summit, walk a few hundred feet farther on the PCT to a steep meadow with views into the Eagle Creek canyon, far below. In June and July, the wildflower display here is spectacular. Next, return to the Chinidere Mountain Trail, and begin climbing a series of somewhat steep, irregular switchbacks for 0.4 miles to the summit. As the route nears the summit, a couple of side trails head off to the right to more wildflower meadows that are worth visiting, and finally the trail circles the platy andesite slopes of the summit before ascending the final few feet to the top. The view here is expansive, and includes the big Cascade vol

Trail Stats

Photos

WahtumLake.JPG

WahtumLake.JPG

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160px-Cascade_aster_%28Aster_ledophyllus%29%2C_Chinidere_Mountain

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250px-WahtumLake02

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250px-WahtumTannerButteView

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250px-Wahtum_Express_Trail%2C_Wahtum_Lake

400px-ChinidereSummitHood

400px-ChinidereSummitHood

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