Beginning at the Wahtum Lake trailhead, follow the Wahtum Lake Express trail down to the shore and head east (right) around the lake. At the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, follow the Herman Creek Trail to the east (right, again). You'll begin your ascent out of the Wahtum Lake bowl and towards the Wooly Horn Ridge.

Shortly after the final trail junction, there is a well-marked user trail that keeps on the ridge while the main trail drops quickly to Mud Lake. Stay on the ridge and follow the obvious trail straight ahead, through open meadows and exposed ridge lines. After gaining another 500 feet, the summit marks the end of the trail.

While on the summit, take in views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St Helens to the north over the Columbia River Gorge, and Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson to the south. Return the way you came, or head over to Chinidere Mountain, right next door, for more peak-bagging.

While the hike is incredible anytime of year, it makes for an especially gorgeous snowshoe route. Camping on the exposed summit is recommended for clear nights.