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Intro to Backpacking Field Trip

Field trip: Introduction to Backpacking

Intro to Backpacking Field Trip - Indian Heaven via Thomas Lake

*Trip initially open to Tacoma backpacking students April 8-26, 2026. Trip will open for registration to all Mountaineers April 27, 2026. Overnight Backpacking Field trip. This is a wonderful trip for anyone who had done at least one overnight backpack trip and wants to do their first 2 night trip. It is also a great trip for anyone who likes to swim in lakes or eat berries. We will past a lot of great lakes on the second day and it will be berry season!!!

Contacts

Lisa McPeak
Lisa McPeak
Primary Leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • Fri, Aug 21, 2026 — Sun, Aug 23, 2026
  • Tacoma Hiking & Backpacking Committee
  • Backpacking
  • Adults, All Who Qualify
  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 14.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 800 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.2
  • 6 (6 capacity)
  • FULL (2 capacity)
  • Mon, Apr 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM
  • Mon, Apr 27, 2026
  • Wed, Aug 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

Day 1 (we start the hike after lunch at 1pm):  Hike from trailhead to Junction Lake, 3 low elevation miles to our camping area.  Set up campsite and then consider a short hike after that in the afternoon just to do something before dinner.  Then we will have dinner, enjoy time together, and then go to sleep.

Day 2:  Have breakfast and then after breakfast we do a 7 to 8 mile hike visiting at least 6 different lakes. We can stop at 1 or 2 of them to swim and we can pick/eat berries all along the way.  We have plenty of time so that this hike can be done at a chill pace to just enjoy this lovely area.  Indian Heaven area is just BEAUTIFUL!  Then we get back to camp, eat dinner, enjoy our night, and then sleep!

Day 3: Eat breakfast, break camp, hike out, then drive home to get home in the afternoon.

2 meeting places:  1.  11am at Lone Fir Cafe in Cougar WA for an early lunch or 2)1pm at the Thomas Lake trailhead to Indian Heaven area.  Info concerning these meeting sites will be sent in the email to all 3 to 5 days prior to the backpack trip.

Route/Place

Indian Heaven via Thomas Lake

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

10 essentials and all equipment required for a backpack trip.

Trip Reports