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Trip Report    

CHS 2 Hike - Thompson Lake

Wonderful trip with 8 CHS-2 students to a marvelous lake. Bypass all of the Mailbox mobs and go a few more miles down the road for some solitude and splendor. You won't regret it!

Courtenay Schurman Courtenay Schurman
July 13, 2025
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • The toilets are still locked; use alternate plans before you arrive. A Discover Pass is needed. The trail is in great condition going up to Granite Lakes.

    It's a little overgrown going beyond the Granite Lakes/Thompson junction with 5-6 blow downs to navigate particularly going down into Thompson basin. Bugs are definitely buzzing, bring head nets/spray if you're sensitive to them. Still counting my mosquito bites.

    I've counted as many as 32 stream crossings on the approach to Granite Lakes  but this time of year most of those little creek beds are dry. The "waterfall" is pretty much a trickle. But there's enough to filter water if you need to.

What a stellar day! 9 of us from the Mountaineers left the Granite Creek parking lot at 6:45 a.m. headed for Thompson Lake. We saw one other person start in front of us, and when we got back to the cars around 2 p.m. the lot was only about half full. Everyone must have gone to hike Mailbox today if road-side parking is any indication.

We enjoyed hearing 21 bird species (including all 4 thrushes, Pacific wrens, golden-crowned kinglets and a few warblers) and tried a few soft thimbleberries and tart blueberries. Give them another month.

The bugs were worst at the lake; most people had sun coverings, bug head nets, and some brought bug juice. 4-5 of our group of 9 waded; the water felt DELICIOUSLY refreshing after a humid morning hike. Be aware of blow-downs still blocking parts of the trail down to the lake. Nothing to stop you but definitely be cautious with footing.

The hardest part of this hike is hiking out of the basin after wading - I looked back longingly, wondering when I'd be back. Such a beautiful rich blue. Fun to see the backside of Defiance where I'll lead a hike Tuesday. 

On the way down we met a few trail runners heading for Thompson and one backpacker. We also saw 3-4 dogs; most people heading up were going to Granite Lakes. This is a great shaded trail with lots of variety and character and very little foot traffic for a Saturday in July. There are places it's a little overgrown, but not too bad. Enjoy!