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    Hikes/United States/Washington State/Gifford Pinchot National Forest

    Thomas Lake Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Easy
    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
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    6.1 km
    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
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead
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    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.

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    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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    Thomas Lake Trail Reviews

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