10. Anthill Loop

2024 Status

Based on recent aerial photography, the old forest along this hike appears to be in good shape. I plan to field-check and update the hike description, photos and map later in 2024.

Summary

Length                                4 ½ mile loop

Difficulty Moderate

Season                               Summer to early autumn

Elevation range                3,740 – 4,480 feet

Human imprint                  Moderate (campers, hikers, nearby road)

Information                       Mount Hood National Forest (Hood River Ranger District)

Primary old growth features

Mixed Douglas-fir and true fir old growth.

Description

The Anthill Trail (406-B) offers an alternative loop through the fine old forest east and north of Wahtum Lake. Stately noble fir, Douglas-fir and Pacific silver fir intermix along the lakeshore and across the upper basin slopes. Large anthills can often be found along the trail, and outstanding views of Wahtum Lake, Chinidere Mountain and the upper Eagle Creek and Hood River valleys can be found along the northern end of the trail.

A former roadbed across the middle of the slope formerly described as part of this loop is no longer maintained as a trail and should not be used. Instead, take the Anthill Trail from the trailhead on the north side of the road and climb moderately through old-growth forest to a ridgeline saddle. Continue north and reach a junction with the Rainy Wahtum Trail (409), stopping for excellent views along the way.

Continue northwest on the Anthill Trail, dropping down into the East Fork Herman Creek drainage through younger forest. Turn left on the Herman Creek Trail (406) less than a half mile from the ridgeline junction and hike southwest for approximately a mile until reaching the Pacific Crest Trail (2000). Turn left at this junction and descend towards the eastern shore of Wahtum Lake. Curve around the lake and return to the trailhead. Attractive old forest once again shades the trail along the last 1 ½ miles of the loop.

25 Years of Change

The forest appears largely unchanged, though the loop has been rerouted as described above. I plan to field check the entire loop in 2024.

How to get there

Head south through the town of Hood River (55 miles east of the 1-84/1-205 junction) on 13th Street and follow signs towards Odell. Cross Hood River after 4-3/4 miles, then bear right towards Dee. At a junction 6-1/4 miles later bear right towards Lost Lake Campground. Stay left on the Lost Lake Road after crossing the bridge 1/4 mile later. Turn right onto paved FR 13 towards Wahtum Lake 5 miles later. After another 4-1/4 miles, turn right onto FR 1310. Park at the Wahtum Lake Campground pullout 6 miles later.txt