8. Indian Springs Loop

2024 Status

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

Summary

Length                                 9-mile loop

Difficulty                              Moderate

Season                                Summer to autumn

Elevation range                 2,560 feet – 4,250 feet

Human imprint                   Minimal

Information                        Mt. Hood National Forest, Hood River Ranger District

Primary old growth features

Attractive stand of transition old growth featuring noble fir.

Description

The west-facing sidewall in the upper East Fork Eagle Creek basin hosts an attractive stand of stately old growth that escaped the nearby Eagle Creek Fire (2017). Head out of the parking area and descend the seemingly never-ending set of stairs (254!) to Wahtum Lake, and veer left around the south side of the lake. Turn left onto the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, 2000) and begin a steady, moderate climb towards Indian Springs. Noble fir matriarchs adorn the trail from the trailhead to the ridgeline. Some signs of an old, light partial cutting are also evident around Wahtum Lake, especially near the southwest corner of the lake.

At Indian Springs turn right on the Indian Springs Trail (435) and begin a steep descent along the ridge. Views of Chinidere Mt. and Eagle Creek basin open up along the way, including vistas over the Eagle Creek Fire (2017.). A few fire-scorched Douglas-fir survivors from an earlier fire appear shortly before a trail junction with the Eagle Creek Trail (440). Turn right back towards Wahtum Lake. A particularly relaxing streamside pocket of Douglas-fir old growth appears a little over a mile from the junction. Continue up the Eagle Creek Trail to Wahtum Lake, reentering the mixed-species old forest earlier traversed.

25 Years of Change

The upper end of the Eagle Creek Fire (2017) is near the lower junction of the loop and is visible along the trail. 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 FR. 13 towards Wahtum Lake 5 miles later. After another 4-1/4 miles, turn right onto FR 1310. Park at the Wahtum Lake pullout 6 miles later.