Indian Heaven Loops

Hike of the Week:

September 1, 2008

One and a half year old Matilda Engelson samples the abundant blueberries in the Indian Heaven Wilderness. Photo by Andrew Engelson.

Why Go?

Dozens of lakes and little lakelets, separated by broad meadows, subalpine forest and views of the tallest Cascade mountains, dot the Indian Heaven Wilderness. In early summer, the area is known for its vicious mosquitoes, but by September the bugs have largely disappeared and ripe huckleberries have taken their place.

There are endless opportunities for rambling and visiting the lakes in this region. The trails and loop trips that lead into the wilderness from the Cultus Creek Campground can be done as dayhikes, overnights or multi-day backpacks.

A short 7 mile loop takes you clockwise around Bird Mountain, starting on the Cultus Creek Trail #33. It ascends quickly, with a excellent view to Mt. Adams at about a mile. Shortly after passing Cultus Lake is junction with the Lemei Lake Trail #179 - go right to Clear Lake and the Pacific Crest Trail. You'll turn north (right) on the PCT and follow it up the side slopes of Bird Mountain. Great views are visible from the ridge crest before descending steeply on Trail #108 to the campground trailhead.

Another longer loop can take you up to Junction Lake before returning on the Pacific Crest Trail. Or ramble further to Blue Lake and beyond. There are so many lakes and trail junctions that a good map is essential for travel in these parts. And there is the chance that you will get turned around while huckleberry picking too!

More Information

Guidebook: Day Hiking South Cascades by Dan Nelson and Alan Bauer (Mountaineers Books); 100 Hikes in Washington's South Cascades & Olympics by Ira Spring and Harvey Manning (Mountaineers Books). Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mt. Adams Ranger District (509) 395-3400.

Driving Directions

From Trout Lake, go west on SR 141 for 8 miles to FR 24 (the Peterson Prairie Campground is here). Turn right on FR 24 and go 8 miles to the trailhead at the Cultus Creek Campground.