Chinidere Mountain Trail #445, OR

This trail is in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Chinidere Mountain sits above Wahtum Lake and has one of the most expansive views in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. You can see five glaciated volcanoes from here on a clear day. You can also see down Eagle Creek to the Columbia Gorge. There are possibilities for including a hike to the top of this mountain from several trails around Wahtum Lake. All of these make nice loops. Look for unique rock pits near the top. This trail begins at the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 (4,280’) and ends at the summit of Chinidere Mountain (4,670’).

The easiest way to access this trail is to begin at the Wahtum Lake Trailhead and drop down to the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. Go east around the lake on #2000 and loop west up to the junction with the Herman Creek trail #406 and shortly afterward, the Chinidere Mountain Trail #445. This way is about 1.8 miles to the beginning of this trail from the Wahtum Lake Trailhead. A slightly shorter way to access this trail also starts at the Wahtum Lake Trailhead. From here drop down to #2000 and go west 0.2 miles. Then follow the Eagle Creek Trail 0.1 mile to the lake’s outlet and go north up the Chinidere Cutoff Trail #406M 0.1 mile to #2000. Follow #2000 300’ west to the beginning of this trail. This route is steeper. Once at the Chinidere Mountain Trail #445, head northwest up several short switchbacks. The trail is easy to follow, and moderately steep. In only a half mile you are standing on one of the best summits around.

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