Thomas Lake

Easy (to Thomas Lake)

1.4 miles round trip

300 feet elevation gain

Open mid-June to mid-October

Use: hikers, horses


Moderate (to Blue Lake)

6.8 miles round trip

900 feet elevation gain

Children and lake-lovers of all ages enjoy exploring the five lakes clustered in the forest within the first mile of the Thomas Lake Trail. For a longer hike, cross Indian Heaven’s glorious heather-and-huckleberry meadows to sapphire Blue Lake, backed by the cliffs of Gifford Peak. Maximum group size is 12 (including horses) and camping near the lakes is limited to 15 sites designated by posts.

To find the trailhead, drive …

Other Options

The lake-dotted high meadows invite exploration. For a loop along an abandoned trail, turn …

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington.