A short spur in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, Mud Lake Trail 406A leaves Herman Creek Trail #406 and descends through heavy timber, losing about 100 feet in 0.2 mile, to reach Mud Lake. The lake fills a small, shallow basin, and there’s a campsite near the end of the trail.
From the shore you can look out to Waucoma Ridge and the upper Herman Creek drainage. The shortest way in starts at the Wahtum Lake Trailhead: follow Ant Hill Trail #406B north 1.9 miles, then turn right on #406 for 0.8 mile. From Herman Creek Campground to the north, it’s 8.8 miles on #406. The shallow basin can get buggy, so pack repellent.
Trail map & elevation
- Trail class
- Class 1 of 5
- Typical grade
- 12-20%
- Surface
- Native material
- Tread width
- 18-24 inches
- Ranger district
- Hood River
Connects to: Herman Creek Trail #406
More about the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness and its trails →
Line, length and trail class: U.S. Forest Service trail data. Elevation: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Difficulty is our estimate for hiking it out and back (once around for a loop), from distance and total climb. Lines can be off by a few hundred feet; carry a real map and check the official page for closures.
Getting there
From Hood River
- - travel south on OR Hwy 281 Dee Highway about 11.5 miles to the Lost Lake turn-off.
- Bear right here and cross the East Fork of the Hood River.
- Keep to the left and follow the signs as if going to Lost Lake.One half mile after crossing the West Fork of the Hood River, a signed junction will indicate Wahtum Lake to the right (Forest Road 13); take this road.
- Although paved, this is a narrow road, during the summer expect heavy traffic.
- At the next intersection (4+ miles), keep right onto the Forest Road 1310.This road is even narrower and traffic may be just as heavy.
- Stay on the pavement until Wahtum Lake Campground is reached.
- This is the trailhead for trails heading down to and around Wahtum Lake.
- CAUTION: WATCH FOR ROCKFALL ON ROAD
From the Forest Service
Rules and restrictions
Wilderness restrictions apply
Passes and permits
Free, self-issued wilderness permits are required from May 15 to October 15 if provided at a portal.
Northwest Forest Pass may be used as fee payment at Wahtum Lake Trailhead ($10 day use fee).
Season details
Usually accessible in June
Trails nearby
Herman Creek Trail #406
20.6 mi round trip
5,640 ft
Very hard
Anthill Trail #406B
3.8 mi round trip
840 ft
Moderate
Rainy Wahtum Trail #409
10 mi round trip
1,442 ft
Hard
Pacific Crest Trail (Hood River RD)
40.4 mi round trip
6,003 ft
Very hard
Chinidere Cutoff Trail #406M
1.4 mi round trip
575 ft
Easy
Herman Cutoff Trail #410
4.4 mi round trip
1,523 ft
Hard
Chinidere Mountain Trail #445
0.6 mi round trip
389 ft
Easy
Eagle Creek Trail #440 (Columbia River Gorge)
26.8 mi round trip
9,562 ft
Very hard
Gorton Creek Trail #408
17.8 mi round trip
4,649 ft
Very hard
North Lake Trail #423
2.8 mi round trip
695 ft
Moderate