Indian Heaven Tour
Location: Indian Heaven Wilderness
18 miles total, 2,200' gained
driving directions
trail map
forest service site
weather forecast for this area
This is a partial loop hike in the Indian Heaven Wilderness starting from the Thomas Lake trailhead.
There's just something about this trip, that takes in a large portion of the central area of Indian Heaven. While it has various features of other areas to appreciate, this hike is all about the lakes. Almost from the start, there are lakes. Then it seems every mile or so there is another, each interestingly different: size, shape, surrounding geography and the like. Nearing the turnaround point, the fascinating Lemei Rock presents itself as a perfect contrast to all the lakes. Just beyond, a vista of Lake Wapiki, Mt. Adams and eastern areas further adds to the variety.
There are possibilities to incorporate unmaintained paths into your route for less backtracking, as well as side trips (Deep Lake and summit of Lemei Rock) and create an even more unique experience. See the trail map for more details.
With a modest accumulation of ups and downs over the miles, this can be a reasonable day hike. If chosen as an overnighter, campsites are plentiful at seemingly every lake. Naturally, sampling a portion of this trip is an option.
Highly recommended for late August through early October, as the bugs are thick at other times of the summer.
A $10 parking fee or Northwest Forest pass is required.
driving directions
trail map
forest service site
weather forecast for this area
This is a partial loop hike in the Indian Heaven Wilderness starting from the Thomas Lake trailhead.
There's just something about this trip, that takes in a large portion of the central area of Indian Heaven. While it has various features of other areas to appreciate, this hike is all about the lakes. Almost from the start, there are lakes. Then it seems every mile or so there is another, each interestingly different: size, shape, surrounding geography and the like. Nearing the turnaround point, the fascinating Lemei Rock presents itself as a perfect contrast to all the lakes. Just beyond, a vista of Lake Wapiki, Mt. Adams and eastern areas further adds to the variety.
There are possibilities to incorporate unmaintained paths into your route for less backtracking, as well as side trips (Deep Lake and summit of Lemei Rock) and create an even more unique experience. See the trail map for more details.
With a modest accumulation of ups and downs over the miles, this can be a reasonable day hike. If chosen as an overnighter, campsites are plentiful at seemingly every lake. Naturally, sampling a portion of this trip is an option.
Highly recommended for late August through early October, as the bugs are thick at other times of the summer.
A $10 parking fee or Northwest Forest pass is required.
Blue Lake
Junction Lake
Clear Lake
Lemei Rock - scramble to high point is possible
Mt. Adams from Lemei Rock summit area
Lake Wapiki, Mt. Adams
Lemei Lake
Fall colors
Deep Lake, Mt. Adams in distance