Anthill Trail #406B


This trail enters the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness.  This trail offers fine views of the lower Hood River Valley, Wahtum Lake, Chinidere Mountain and the upper Eagle Creek Drainage. The anthills are abandoned and new ones built each year and often a hill will be built directly in the trail. Why the ants have chosen this particular location to build their homes is somewhat of a mystery. This trail has several great views of Wahtum Lake and provides a nice loop back on Herman Creek Trail #406 to access to Pacific Crest Trail #2000.

The trail begins across the road from the Wahtum Lake Campground. It ascends east to a ridge at a moderate and constant grade through heavy timber. On top of the ridge an outcrop of rock provides a fine viewpoint or picnic site. The trail then meanders gently along the ridge until reaching Forest Road 670 after 1.5 miles. This is the site of the Old Mud Lake Guard Station. The trail crosses the road, then drops down to the junction with the Herman Creek Trail #406. For a nice 4.6 mile loop, turn left (southwest) onto Herman Creek Trail #406 and follow it for 1 mile to the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. Turn left (east) onto #2000 and follow it to the trailhead at Wahtum Lake. For a slightly shorter 4.2 mile loop, follow #406 to Chinidere Cutoff Trail #406M. Turn left onto #406M and follow it for 0.7 mile to Eagle Creek Trail #440. Turn left onto #440 and follow it 0.1 mile to the junction with #2000. Turn left onto #2000 and follow it for 0.25 to trail #406H. Turn south onto #406H and follow it to the trailhead at Wahtum Lake Campground.

Link to Trail Description and Map (PDF File)

At a Glance

Permit Info: Wilderness Permits are required if  you go past one of the two boxes. We have one box on the trail leading to the lake. If entering this portal you need a permit. It is for day or night use between May 15 and Oct 15. Permits are free and self-issued at a permit box station at the Wahtum Lake Trailhead.
Open Season: June
Usage: Light
Restrictions: Wilderness restrictions apply within Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness.
Closest Towns: Hood River, OR
Water: No
Restroom: Vault Toilet (1)
Passes: A valid Recreation Pass is required at Wahtum Lake trailhead.
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Hood River Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

From Portland, OR take I-84 to Hood River. Take Highway 281 to Lost Lake Road. Take Forest Road 13 at the junction of Lost Lake Road and transfer to the Forest Road 1310. The trailhead will be on your right within view of Wahtum Lake. Access via Wahtum Lake trailhead.


Activities

Mountain Biking

See day hiking description
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Day Hiking

Offers views of Wahtum Lake, the lower Hood River Valley and the Columbia River Gorge.
Difficulty Level: Easy

Horse Riding

See day hiking description
Difficulty Level: Easy

Viewing Scenery

See day hiking description

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
1.9 miles

  Latitude : 
45.5776

  Longitude : 
-121.7928

  Elevation : 
4000 - 4490