Herman Creek to Mud Lake

The 18-mile round-trip route is an out-and-back from Herman Creek Trailhead to Mud Lake, following Forest Service Trail #406 before turning onto #406A. Plan on roughly 10–12 hours and about 4,000 feet of climbing to reach the lake, then return over the same corridor.

Most of the lower trail is a shaded, fairly smooth former logging road. Stay on #406 at the early forks; waterfalls appear along the creek, and a Casey Creek crossing comes about four miles in. After the #410 junction, the trail gains roughly 900 feet over its final 1.9 miles before a left turn onto #406A. Mud Lake is small, shallow, and marshy, with Green Point Mountain's scree slope above its east shore; no path circles the water. The steady climb and seasonal creek crossings make this a hard day, not a technical scramble. The lake is generally at its best in mid- to late summer. Frame the water with the pale slope for the route's defining view.

Use the Herman Creek Trailhead lot or road parking by the campground; restrooms are there. A Forest Service recreation pass is required, and a free self-issued wilderness permit is required at the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness boundary. Dogs are allowed on leash. If the campground access gate is shut in winter, park on Frontage Road and walk about 0.4 mile on the paved access road. Cascade Locks restaurants and brewpubs are a separate stop, not on the route.