2.8 hr
Overview
The Pacific Crest Trail follows the high ridge between Waucoma Ridge and the Benson Plateau, with the only significant descent and ascent being right at the beginning of this hike. The route will take you from a beautiful mountain lake to the edge of the Columbia River Gorge. There are campsites on the Benson Plateau if you want to overnight. The highlight of the ridge walk is the summit of Chinidere Mountain, which offers views up and down the Cascades from Mount Rainier to Mount Jefferson. North of Chinidere Mountain, you'll run into the zone of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire where there was an expanse of crown fire along the ridge, but the Benson Plateau itself escaped relatively unscathed. The trail begins down to the right of a large campsite. You'll come to a junction at a map kiosk and wilderness permit box. From here, go left down the Wahtum Express Trail #406J. This stepped trail (258 steps by one count) descends steeply as you pass the wilderness entry sign under old-growth silver fir, noble fir and mountain hemlock. Pass the junction with the horse trail, and then come to the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. Here, proceed left along the lush shore of Wahtum Lake. Thickets of bugbane, false bugbane, and thimbleberry crowd the trail. At another junction near the west shore of the lake, make a right for the Eagle Creek Trail #446. Soon you'll arrive at the junction with the Chinidere Cutoff Trail #406M and go right. This trail descends to the East Fork of Eagle Creek where it flows out of Wahtum Lake. A couple of logs have been placed as a bridge across the logjam here. The trail heads up in younger silver fir woods past several campsites before it crosses the creek in a bear-grass and huckleberry understory. The tread drops to the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn left and in 50 yards find the Chinidere Mountain Trail heading up to the right for 0.4 miles. After six switchbacks, the trail reaches an open area where a side trail leads off to the left across scree and blooming wildflowers,
Trail Stats
0.0 km
847 m
1424 m
0 m
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