Thomas Lake Trail
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 6.1 km 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
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Red Mountain Lookout via Indian Racetrack
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Big Creek Falls Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Little Huckleberry Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Curly Creek Falls via Lewis River Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Big Huckleberry Mountain via PCT
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Placid Lake Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Blue Lake Hike Indian Heaven Wilderness
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Indian Heaven Lakes Loop
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Indian Heaven Trail #33
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Falls Creek Loop
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Lower Falls Creek Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Panther Creek Falls Hike
Gifford Pinchot National Forest