Mt. Hood National Forest Whatum Lake ~ Indian Peak Hike Hike 06
Length: 2.5 miles round trip from Campground Elevation Change: 580' gain Season: Late Spring thru Fall Difficulty: Moderate Permit: NW Forest Pass Required Features: This spectacular little hike can begin at the Indian Springs Campground
of it can begin at the Wahtum Lake trail head. A primitive road allows the visitor
to drive much closer to the mountain, and take several miles off the hike.
There are a couple of choices as to where to begin the hike even if you choose to
start at the campground. The Pacific Crest Trail #2000 passes through the very
unmaintained camp area and you can find the trail head there. Or you can drive a bit
further and park along the road where a barricade blocks you from driving further and
hike from there.
The trail follows the old service road used to access the fire lookout that once stood
atop Indian Mountain. So, it is very easy to follow even if it is not well maintained.
The short hike up this mountain is so worth the excellent views you can enjoy not only
at the top but most of the way to the top. Only the last little bit of the trail is
in dense forest.
