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Hikes/United States/Washington State/Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
216 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
6.1 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1.5-2.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Thomas Lake Trail

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Table of contents

Thomas Lake is a fantastic spot for a weekend getaway, offering nice backcountry camping spots all around the lakeshore and an easy trail in. This hike is 3.8mi long and rated as easy, making it a good choice for all skill levels. This guide covers the entire distance of the trail, but if you just want to get to Thomas Lake and back, it’s less than half as long. Note that the mosquitoes on this hike can be truly incessant in the early-mid summertime. Try visiting in August when they tend to be less bothersome and bring a very potent spray. A hike in the fall eliminates this issue and offers great foliage color.

Route Description for Thomas Lake Trail

Thomas Lake is a relaxing, beautiful spot with lots of backcountry camping to enjoy. It’s great for a day hike too, with an easy trail suitable for beginners. Note that if you want to camp, you’ll need to pick a designated spot with a numbered post.

This hike is plagued by mosquitoes in early and mid-summer. Bring a potent spray. We recommend visiting in August for summer trips and October for fall trips when the bugs are less bothersome and the foliage starts to turn red and golden.

Begin from the trailhead. The route meanders uphill before trailing through a couple of lazy switchbacks. Thomas Lake, Heather Lake, and Dee Lake will appear ahead. This guide covers the entire Thomas Lake Trail to its end where it reaches a T-junction, passing Naha Lake, Brader Lake, and Eunice Lake (which also has camping). You can hike the whole trail or just stop at Thomas Lake depending on your plans. To return, retrace your steps.

Getting to the Thomas Lake Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for the Thomas Lake Trail is at the end of Forest Road 65.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    Thomas Lake Backcountry

  • When to do:

    May-October

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    High

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Thomas Lake Trail Elevation Graph

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