Chenamus Lake
- Tina McLain
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
A hike to a lake in Indian Heaven Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Lake Name: Chenamus Lake
Lake Coordinates: 46.03183, -121.81306
Lake Elevation: 4267'
Access: Trail
Distance: 3.85 miles (round trip)
Elevation Range: 4037' to 4298'
Ascent/Descent: +299 ft/-299 ft
Trail Type: In and out
Outing Type: Day hike
Permits/Fees: Wilderness Permit Required. Permits are free and self-issued at trailhead. - Forest Service
Notes: Placid Lake can be hiked to along the way to Chenamus Lake. The Chenamus Lake trail is a bit overgrown but still easy to follow (in my opinion).
Location: Near NF-420, within Indian Heaven Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA, U.S.A.
Administration: Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Ranger District: Mount Adams Ranger District
Wilderness Area: Indian Heaven Wilderness
Date Accessed: August 16, 2025
For years, I've had this lake on my hiking list. I've hiked numerous times to Placid Lake as a kid, I never knew there was another lake further beyond. So on a family camping trip this summer I got to go for the first time.
On a Saturday afternoon I hiked in to Placid lake with my aunt and uncle. The trail to the lake was pretty mellow with gentle ups and downs. Lots of wild blueberry bushes lined the trail. We only came across two people hiking out. I took the spur trail to the edge of Placid Lake and then turned back and made my way to the trail intersection before the lake and continued on the Placid Lake Trail #29 as it ascended through the forest. I was in awe of how beautiful the forest and undergrowth was. The trees were spaced apart with lots of huckleberry bushes and other bushes as ground cover. Everything was so green!
The trail continued to gradually ascend until it came to the trail intersection for Placid Lake Trail #29 and Chenamus Lake Trail #29A. There was signage at the intersection which was a pleasant surprise. I headed south down the Chenamus Lake Trail and came across a few blow downs across the trail that were decently easy to climb over or hike around. The forest was very quiet with the occasional chipmunk, squirrel, or bird making itself known.
There was one dry stream crossing. As I got closer to the lake the more overgrown the trail became. It had rained the previous day, so all the bushes were wet which meant I ended up with soaked pants and shoes. There was a small meadow before the trail took me right along the lakes edge. I was in awe of how quiet and beautiful the lake was. There was no one else around, so I had the lake all to myself.
I hiked along the overgrown and light trail that went along the west side of the lake until I came to the lakes end and the trail seemed to get very faint. I decided to turn back and headed to a spot along the lake where I was able to have a snack, take pictures, and enjoy just being in nature. There were two ducks diving for food in the lake that were fun to watch. There appeared to be one potential campsite area about 150ft from the lake that a faint trail lead back to.
After finishing my snack I headed back down the trail and didn't come across anyone else during my hike past Placid Lake. As I neared Placid Lake, I took a different spur trail to the lake and said hi to my cousin who has sitting around playing cards with some friends. I hiked a little ways along Placid Lake before heading back to the trailhead on my own. The hike back was pleasant. The section of trail from the trailhead to Placid Lake seems to be the most used, beyond significantly less so, especially the trail to Chenamus Lake. When I reached the trailhead I clocked in 3.85 miles total. Since my ride had already left, I road walked back to the area we were camping which accounts for my track showing a longer distance.
I really enjoyed this hike and I'm in awe of how beautiful the forest within Indian Heaven Wilderness is. I look forward to coming back and explore more of it!
Coordinates
Placid Lake Trail #29 trailhead: 46.04847, -121.80931
Spur trail to Placid Lake: 46.04395, -121.81552
Placid Lake: 46.04118, -121.81712
Placid Lake Trail #29 & Chenamus Lake Trail #29A trail intersection: 46.03878, -121.81138
Small meadow near Chenamus Lake: 46.03319, -121.81438
Chenamus Lake: 46.03183, -121.81306
How to get there (from Carson, WA)
Take Wind River Rd north out of Carson, WA for 13.3 miles then turn right on NF-30 and proceed for 14.5 miles. Turn right on NF-6507 and continue for 4.1 miles. Turn left on NF-65 and proceed for 0.5 miles. The trailhead parking area is on the right side of the road.
Map
Note: As I mentioned above, I road walked back to the area we were camping which accounts for my track showing a longer distance than the data I provide at the start of this post.
My Wild Adventure is not responsible for your safety, any possible injury, or anything that happens if you choose to follow anything on this website. Maps are not intended to be used for navigational purposes, but to give an overview of the route taken. By going outdoors you are solely responsible to know your strengths and limitations, be aware of current conditions and proceed with the appropriate caution. My Wild Adventure is not responsible for your choices and the outcome. Reference my disclaimer for more information on being responsible outdoors.
