Thorp Mountain Lookout via Thorp Creek, Thorp Lake — Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025

I wasn't even sure if we would summit today because Penny is really sensitive to the heat and we got a late start this morning. Fortunately the trail was relatively shaded and, after we left the lake to head to the summit, there was a nice breeze that helped out. It was hot though, and definitely a tinder box up there. The section between the lake and the summit was really crispy. Please be extremely careful out there. A new fire just started up near the Teanaway as I was getting back on the highway to come home. 

We didn't start hiking until close to 10am. There was no one else at the trailhead, and no other humans all day. The trail is in good condition. Thorp Creek is very low this time of year so many of the water stops along the trail are, of course, dry. I carried a ton of water for the dogs but didn't really need to use it except for on the summit. We stopped at the lake on the way up, and then the back side of the lake on the way down, so they could get cooled off. There are some logs to step over, under or around, whichever you desire. 

Bugs were not too bad, but there were some horseflies biting me near the summit and one large bug that almost flew into my mouth. No mosquitoes though. Swarms of gnats now and then. There are quite a few huckleberries still hanging around along the trail. I was surprised. Daisy decided she likes them a lot so I had to show her where to find them so she would stop harassing me. lol. Penny licked them in my hand and decided they weren't her style. 

The trail around to the back of the lake has gotten a bit whacky because of all the fallen trees. I'm not sure there is a specific trail through one section at this point. I just kind of climbed around until I found a connection. It's a bit messy back there. So many beautiful dragonflies on that side of the lake - bright blue ones. What a life! 

We ended up at 8.83 miles round trip and 2,785 vertical feet. I wish we could have stayed the night. Back to the car at 2:30.