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CHS 2 Hike - Lower Tuscohatchie Lake

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 2 Hike - Lower Tuscohatchie Lake

CHS-2 pace (2.0-2.5 mph) hike to THREE lovely alpine lakes from Exit 47. Early start to beat crowds, heat, rush hour, and enjoy birdsong. Come prepared to enjoy a dip in Tuscohatchie Lake.

Contacts

Courtenay Schurman
Courtenay Schurman
Primary Leader
  • Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 14.1 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,250 ft
  • Pace: 2-2.5 MPH
  • 1 (8 capacity)
  • FULL (2 capacity)
  • Wed, Jul 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM
  • Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

We'll take a 2.2 mph pace up, 2.5 mph down. Early start on a lovely shaded trail shared with Granite Mountain, Talapus, Olallie, Rainbow, and Island lakes. The parking lot gets quite busy in summer, but there are lots of lakes accessible from Exit 47, so we'll get an early start to hopefully enjoy some solitude.

First long-ish 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 skirting Pratt Lake and continue to Tuscohatchie Lake where we will enjoy lunch in the shade and wade/swim for those who would like to. Bring wading shoes, hand towel, and swim suit if you like. Hydrate well, this is a long outing. BRING AT LEAST 3 liters per person (or 2 and a filter, this route has lots of water access) and plenty of easily digestible snacks with electrolytes (salt). Leader does not supply bug spray but does carry a head net; bring bug pro if you're sensitive to mosquitoes.

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. Enjoy people with inflatables enjoying the lake.

Meet Court at Exit 47 (Granite Mtn) parking lot at 6:15 a.m. ready for stretches and introductions at 6:20, walking by 6:30. This is part of the Sunrise Series, an early midweek start to enjoy birdsong, beat the crowds, heat, and sun in the Basin mid-day, and avoid the worst of rush hour traffic in downtown Seattle. Hello Hiker email will have carpool instructions.

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) AT LEAST 3 liters or 2 and filter
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
Trip Reports