Hike 07
The Mt. Hood National Forest
Chinidere Mountain Hike
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THE FOLLOWING MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES.
Map of the Chinidere Mountain Hike

Length: 4.6 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 230' drop then 943' gain
Season: Early summer thru Fall
Difficulty:   Moderate
Permit:   NW Forest Pass Required

Features:

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A great family hike that begins at the Wahtum Lake trail head and quickly descends a couple hundred feet to the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. Turn right and follow this trail around the lake. The hike gently climbs through dense forest until you reach the junction of 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. The rewarding views from the top are more that worth the effort to get there.
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 trail head.




Looking south toward Mt. Hood from the
summit of Chinidere Mountain
How to get there:

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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.


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