Location
The trail to Thomas, Blue and Tombstone Lakes is an excellent foray into the Indian Heaven Wilderness. Hikers will pass by over a dozen lakes over the length of this trail, providing amble opportunity to find a secluded lakeside spot to enjoy their lunch.
Hikers will find the first set of lakes a mere 0.6 miles from the trailhead (making it an excellent choice for families with little ones). At two miles in, hikers will reach a junction where they can catch a glimpse of Rock Lake before continuing south along the main route. At around 3.5 miles in, hikers will reach the larger Blue Lake as well as a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. This in an excellent place to stop and take in the scenery — but for an added bonus, hikers can hop on the short spur trail down to Tombstone Lake and extend their hike another 0.7 miles.
In late summer and early fall, the area busts with bountiful berries and vivid colors, making for an excellent time to visit.
Thomas, Blue and Tombstone Lakes
South Cascades
Length
7.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation
Gain: 1015 ft.
Highest Point: 4150 ft.
Rating
Permits Required
Wilderness permit. Self-issue at trailhead (no fee)
Thomas, Blue and Tombstone Lakes
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Open map in new windowGetting There
Directions from I-5
If heading north, take exit 21 for WA-503. Turn right onto Lewis River Road and continue for 0.8 miles until the traffic circle. Take the first exit to continue east on WA-503/Lewis River Road.
If heading south, take exit 22 for Dike Access Road. Take the third exit on the traffic circle to go east on Dike Access Road. At the next traffic circle, take the first exit to continue east on on Old Pacific Highway. Continue for 0.8 miles then make a slight left onto E Scott Ave. At the traffic circle, take the second exit to continue east on WA-503/Lewis River Road.
Continue on WA-503 for 30.6 miles until the road becomes Road 90. Continue on 90 for 19.5 miles as you pass along the north side of the Swift Reservoir, then take a right onto Curly Creek Road. Continue on Curly Creek Road for 5 miles and then take a left onto Meadow Creek Road. Stay on Meadow Creek Road for 1.5 miles then take a right onto NF-6507. Continue on this road for another 4.2 miles before turning left at the junction with NF-65. The trailhead will be a half mile up on the righthand side.
Directions from WA-14
Turn north from the WA-14 onto the Wind River Highway toward Carson. Continue for 14.3 miles then take a right onto NF-30/Meadow Creek Road, just past the Carson Fish Hatchery. Continue for 2.1 miles and then keep right as the road becomes Wind River Road. Continue for 12.5 miles then turn right onto NF-6507. Continue on this road for another 4.2 miles before turning left at the junction with NF-65. The trailhead will be a half mile up on the righthand side.
Directions from US-12
Turn south onto WA-131 out of Randle. Continue for 2.7 miles as the road becomes NFD 25. Continue for 42 miles until you reach the edge of the Swift Reservoir, then take a left onto FS-90. Continue for 4.2 miles then take a right onto Curly Creek Road.
Continue on Curly Creek Road for 5 miles and then take a left onto Meadow Creek Road. Stay on Meadow Creek Road for 1.5 miles then take a right onto NF-6507. Continue on this road for another 4.2 miles before turning left at the junction with NF-65. The trailhead will be a half mile up on the righthand side.
