Chinidere Mountain via Chinedere Cutoff Trail and PCT is a 3.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Hood River, Oregon that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Please note that a road closure has been reported leading up to the lake (10/12/2020).
January 16, 20211/16-Tree has fallen over road about half way up to lake. Would have been a beautiful day for one of my favorite hikes!!
November 5, 2020On 11/3, Mt. Hood Ranger District said they were not aware of any closures on the road to Wahtum Lake. We passed on this hike last weekend based on the previous road closure comment.
October 30, 2020We didn’t find the trail, but we did have a nice walk looking for it, when we found the lake, we were thrilled. Did not see a single soul on the trail. Went on a week day in late October. Middle of no where, super cool road to get up there.
October 19, 2020Trail is closed along the lake. You can go around the other side of the lake to do this hike. The views are great. There is a spur viewpoint on the way up. It loops back to the main trail. This is an easy hike. Great for kids and grandparents!
October 12, 2020Road closed 3 miles before the lake.
September 20, 202009/05/20 trail was closed but we found another trail. The lake is great
August 29, 2020August 25, 2020August 19, 2020This trail was AMAZING! The challenge was just what I was looking for Beautiful flowers and tons of butterflies. Views are spectacular from the 5 Mountain tops to the Lake below....make sure you go on a clear day to reward all the hard work you put in. I would rate this as moderate/difficult.
August 16, 2020August 9, 2020Beautiful hike! Had some confusing markings for the first portion of the loop, but thankful some other hikers helped us. Such a great payoff with an unbelievable view of the mountain peaks and Lake Wahtum!
August 6, 2020Perfect as a short sunset/sunrise hike if you're close. Lush forest setting on the approach and easy section to the top. Update 8/5. Hiked this for sunset with a couple friends. Thunderstorms were brewing in the distance with a cloud layer moving into the valley. In regards to the clouds and photography lighting, probably one of the best sunsets I've caught in a while.
July 19, 2020nice loop around the lake with a bonus premium 360 view at Chinefere peek
July 18, 2020Hiked up here to take photographs of the comet Neowise and had the best conversations I have had in months, with two separate groups of people.
July 12, 2020A group of us were trying to access eagle creek and do the loop near the lake there, but was still closed off so we decided to hit this trail. This hike was a nice surprise because of the views and the workout you get from it. There is some elevation gain, but nothing too bad because of the distance of the hike. There was some bugs and mosquitoes, but otherwise everything was good. A little windy towards the top, but overall perfect sunny weather. We decided to keep up beyond the trail on PCT to get some miles in and then eventually came up through the loop around the lake. I would definitely recommend this trail for anyone and would suggest bringing a little lunch to enjoy the views of Mt Hood.
July 3, 20207-3-20 Nice easy stroll around Whatum. Forgot how amazing the view is from Chinidere. Loads of people camping at Whatum for the holiday weekend. Bugs for a bit in some muddy sections of the PCT. Protect yoself.
June 27, 2020the mosquitoes are out! but i used bug spray and it wasnt too bad. The trail is a little hard to follow. My best way of explaining it woulf be to start by heading down towards the lake. You'll know you are going the right way if you see stairs. Once at bottom of stairs I suggest going right, its a gradual incline and easy to follow. Once you are at the intersection to go either back down to the lake or to the peak its easy to follow. Going back down the other way is pretty steep. Again you'll know youre going the right way if you come accross a log jam over water. Its fun to cross but be careful with your doggos! Both of mine fell in. From there you just continue to veer left until you are back to the stairs! I did see a blocked off section that was mentioned below but its for a different trail! The view at the top was worth it! Enjoy!!
June 26, 2020Awesome hike! Some overgrowth and down branches that seem to be from winter storms. Pretty good shade most of the time. I recommend paying attention to the route it’d be easy to head down a campsite trail at the start or miss the trail up to the top. Most of the photos on here show the summit view of Mt. good but you can also see Rainier and St. Helens.
June 25, 2020Lots of hungry mosquitoes! Some sections of the trail have a closed sign and didn’t finish the trail. hiked on 6/25
June 22, 2020This is a great hike all around. Not too difficult for the payoff at the top but still a decent little workout. Good warm up hike for the summer season! Also a great trail for dogs. 10/10 recommend!
June 5, 2020Amazing loop and easy to follow, although you do accidentally wander threw campsites, so be aware of that. For the views of the top and the beauty of the lake, it is such an easy payoff!
May 24, 2020This is a beautiful hike with an incredible view at the top. HOWEVER, the trail completed disappears on the return loop, making it a difficult return.
