Whatum Lake &
Chindere Mountain

This is one of the prettiest lakes in the northern Oregon Cascades, but getting there takes some doing! Drive I-84 east from Portland to Hood River. Head south on 13th (becomes 12th) until the road becomes Tucker, the the Hood River Highway and follow signs south to Dee. Proceed west on Forest Road 13 for 5 miles. Turn right and follow one-lane forest road13 for 4.25 miles. Turn right and follow really narrow forest road1310 for 6 miles to trailhead. Here's a Google map

There's a single outhouse - kind of a super outhouse - at the trailhead parking area, but no other facilities. You can camp around the lake in some lovely and secluded tent sites. There' s steep staircase trail down to the lake, and a slower but longer route as well. The descent is about 200 feet.

Take the 4.5 miles RT hike up to the rocky summit of Chinidere Mountain for unobstructed 360 views of the lake, Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge. The trail is moderate and the forest is lovely. The last 4/10 mile are steep, but you'll be rewarded with a superb summit.

There's a hike to Indian Peak, 2.5 miles RT with a modest 560 foot gain. You can also backpack to Whatum Lake and Chinidere on the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia Gorge -- it's 13.3 miles one way.

Distance from PDX:
2+ hours

Elevation gain:
Chindere: 1100 feet
Whatum - 200 feet

Distance: 4.5 miles RT to Chinidere