Indian Heaven via Thomas Lake

An 15-mile round trip easy backpack or strenuous hike with 1,100 feet of elevation gain in one of the most beautiful and scenic wilderness areas of Washington. This area has an abundance of seasonal huckleberries, there are multiple swimming opportunities, and you'll probably see as many or more lakes on this trip than on any other.

Getting There

Take Exit 22 off of and drive SR-503 to Cougar. Stay on SR-503 which becomes Forest Road 90. Turn right onto Curly Creek Road, then  left onto Forest Road 30, right onto Forest Road 6507, left onto Forest Road 65, and finally right into the Thomas Lake Trailhead parking lot.

On the Trail

Blue Lake

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Hike the Thomas Lake Trail 0.7 mile to Thomas Lake. Spend some time enjoying Thomas Lake and it's nearby neighbors. Continue on 2.6 miles to Blue Lake vsiting the many lakes along the way. There are campsites at Blue Lake and Tombstone Lake 0.2 mile beyond Blue Lake.

Clear Lake

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From Blue Lake, hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to Junction Lake and the East Crater. Continue on the PCT or the Lemei Lake Trail to Clear Lake. Return on the opposite trail to make a loop trip. Be sure to visit Bear and Elk Lakes, a 1.2-mile side trip off of the PCT and Lemei Lake off of the Lemei Lake Trail. There are campsite 1 mile to the north at Deep Lake.

  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
  • Seasons: July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Length: 15.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft
  • 5,100 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Indian Heaven Wilderness No. 365S
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Indian Heaven
  • Indian Heaven Wilderness
  • Indian Heave Lakes
  • Indian Heaven Wilderness Lakes
  • Thomas Lake
  • Blue Lake
  • Tombstone Lake
  • Clear Lake
  • Thomas & Blue Lakes
  • Thomas, Blue & Clear Lakes
  • Thomas, Blue & Tombstone Lakes
Resources

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