Tomlike Mountain is a rocky, windswept, elongated high point on Oregon’s Woolly Horn Ridge. It offers one of the finest views in the Columbia River Gorge—a view that includes Mounts Rainier, Adams, St. Helens, Hood and Jefferson. And starting at a high elevation from the Wahtum Lake Trailhead, your trip to Tomlike isn’t too demanding. Only an anthill (literally) stands in your way. Actually, a knoll on a ridge called the Anthill. But that big mound hovers above the shimmering waters of Wahtum Lake and its decked in swaying bear grass—thankfully not a bunch of crawling insects.

Start you hike on the Anthill Trail, which takes off from behind the small adjacent car camp privy. This nice trail is often overlooked by the crowds that flock directly down to Wahtum Lake. Gradually ascend up the spine of a ridge dividing the Eagle Creek and Hood River watersheds. Along the way enjoy superb views of Wahtum, Chinidere Mountain, Mount Hood, and Mount Jefferson.

After a little more than a mile (1.6 km) crest the Anthill’s high point (elevation 4,475-feet/1,364 m), then gradually descend through huckleberry patches reaching an old road—now the Wahtum-Rainy Lake Trail. Continue straight, soon entering the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness and come to the Herman Creek Trail at 2.0 miles (3.2 km).

You’ll want to turn right here and after a few strides look for an unmarked trail taking off left just before the main trail bends right and descends. The trail to Tomlike’s summit is more of a boot path than a bona fide trail. But it’s a pretty straightforward albeit at times a little brushy route along the mostly open ridge crest.

After a brief climb, the way drops into a small saddle. Continue along the ridge, coming to a ledge lined with stunted junipers. Hikers who hail from the Northeast will feel right at home on this peak as it looks like it could be right out of New Hampshire’s rocky White Mountains or New York’s Adirondacks. The hovering snowcapped volcanoes in the distance however will remind you that you are definitely in the Pacific Northwest.

Follow cairns up and over a rocky knoll and traverse a lodgepole pine grove. The summit block soon comes into full view. Carefully work your way up shale and scree, reaching the 4,555-foot (1,388 m) summit at 3.0 miles (5.0 km). Hold on to your hat as the winds are usually pretty strong here. If the wind doesn’t knock your hat off, the horizon spanning views will! Locate Washington’s Larch Mountain, Oregon’s Larch Mountain, Silver Star, Rainier, St. Helens, Adams, Dog, Tanner Butte, the fluted flattop Benson Plateau, and glistening Mount Hood rising above them all! In summer, wildflowers and bear grass sway in the strong breezes. In autumn, berry bushes add streaks of crimson to the ridge.

Tomlike (George Tomileck Chinidere, who was known locally as Indian George) was Chief Chinidere’s son; and naming this beautiful mountain and the adjacent peak just to the north after these two members of the Wasco Tribe is a deep honor. And the Woolley Horn? It was supposedly named by a couple of hunters who shot an elk in velvet.

Upon retracing your steps back to the main trail—if you’re still interested in hiking some more, consider a side trip to little Mud Lake. Despite its less-than-enticing name, Mud Lake is actually quite lovely. Follow the Herman Creek Trail .8 mile (1.3 km) and then take a spur trail .3 mile (.5 km) to the lake (elevation 3,600 feet/ 1,097 m). Dippers, newts, and osprey will keep you company.

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All photos courtesy of Craig Romano.

Craig Romano is an award-winning author of more than twenty hiking guidebooks, including Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge (Mountaineers Books).

Location: Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Distance: 6.0 miles (9/7 kilometers) roundtrip

Elevation gain: 1,300 feet (396 meters)

Difficulty: moderate

Trail notes: Northwest Trail Pass or Interagency Pass required; wilderness regulations apply (self-register free wilderness permit at trailhead); dog friendly; practice Leave No Trace Principles.

Trail highlights: wildflowers, exceptional alpine views that include several volcanoes, Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness

Contact: Mount Hood National Forest, Hood River Ranger Station

Getting to the trail:  From Portland: follow I-84 east to Hood River Exit 62 turning right onto US 30 (Cascade Avenue). Follow for 1.3 miles (2.1 km) turning right onto 13th Street (County Road 281). Now continue south on CR 281 (which becomes Tucker Road) At 5.1 miles (8.2 km) bear right (after crossing Hood River bridge) onto Dee Highway, which is still CR 281. Continue for 6.2 miles (10 km) bearing right (near MP 11) to bridge crossing Hood River (signed for Dee-Lost Lake) then bear left onto Lost Lake Road (signed for Wahtum Lake). After 4.9 miles (7.9 km), bear right onto paved FR 13. After 4.5 miles (7.2 km), bear right onto FR 1310. Follow this paved road 6.0 miles (9.7 km) to the trailhead.