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CHS 2 Hike

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 2 Hike - Lower Tuscohatchie Lake

A hike up the Pratt Lake trail past Pratt Lake and on to Lower Tuscohatchie. On the way back we will make a stop at Olallie Lake. CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (2.2-2.5 mph)

Contacts

Justin Bland
Justin Bland
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 14.4 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,630 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 4,200 ft
  • Pace: 2.5 MPH

We'll take a 2.2 mph pace up, 2.5 mph down. Yep, I'm getting specific late in the season. Keep me honest on the way up!

This is a lovely shaded trail shared with Granite Mountain, Talapus, Olallie, Rainbow, and Island lakes. The parking lot gets quite busy in Summer, due to so many lakes accessible from this same I-90 exit. Our early start will provide a bit of solitude.

First  break will be at the high ridge between Talapus/Olallie and Pratt Lake Basin before we descend into the basin. We will make our way above Pratt Lake and continue to Tuscohatchie Lake.

At Tuscohatchie Lake we will enjoy lunch in the shade and have time to wade/swim if the group is up for it. Bring wading shoes, hand towel, and swim suit if you like.

Hydrate well, this is a long outing. BRING AT LEAST 3 liters (or 2 and a filter, this route has lots of water access) and plenty of easily digestible snacks with electrolytes (salt).

If bugs like you, bring bug spray and a head net.

Bring poles for the descent into the basin which can be tricky in spots.

On the way back we'll take the quick detour to Olallie Lake for another short break and good views. We'll watch folks with inflatables enjoying the lake, and make plans to come back with our packrafts / paddleboards.

Meet at Exit 47 (Granite Mtn) parking lot at 6:30am ready for stretches and introductions, hiking by 6:45. This early start will provide us birdsong while avoiding the parking issues, crowds, heat, and mid-day sun in the Basin; while avoiding the Seattle & Eastside traffic. 

Route/Place

Pratt Lake Trail

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
Trip Reports