Wahtum Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wahtum Lake |
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 Wahtum Lake
Location in Oregon
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| Location | Hood River County, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 45°34′55″N 121°47′40″W / 45.58194°N 121.79444°W |
| Type | Cirque lake |
| Primary outflows | East Fork Eagle Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Managing agency | Mount Hood National Forest |
| Max. depth | 184 feet (56 m) |
| Surface elevation | 3,727 feet (1,136 m) |
Wahtum Lake is a beautiful lake located in Hood River County, Oregon, in the United States. It's part of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness within the Mount Hood National Forest. This lake is special because it's the largest lake found inside the Columbia River Gorge.
Wahtum Lake is also the starting point for the East Fork of Eagle Creek. It's quite deep, reaching about 184 feet (56 m), making it the deepest lake in the entire Mount Hood National Forest. The lake sits high up, at an elevation of about 3,727 feet (1,136 m). It was formed in a bowl-shaped valley called a cirque, which was carved out by ancient glaciers.
Exploring Wahtum Lake
Wahtum Lake is a very popular spot for people who love the outdoors. It's easy to get to, as it's less than a quarter-mile from a paved road that leads to a trailhead.
Camping and Trails
If you like camping, you're in luck! There are several campsites right at the trailhead. You can also find backcountry campsites along the lake's shore. This means you can stay close to nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The area around Wahtum Lake has many trails for hiking and exploring. Some of these trails lead all the way down to the Columbia River, dropping about 4,000 feet (1,200 m) in elevation.
Famous Hiking Trails
Two very well-known trails pass by Wahtum Lake:
- The Pacific Crest Trail: This famous long-distance trail wraps right around Wahtum Lake. Hikers on this trail can enjoy amazing views of the lake.
- The Eagle Creek Trail #440: This is one of the most popular trails in the Columbia River Gorge. Its upper end is located right at Wahtum Lake, making it a great starting or ending point for your adventure.
