Even mid-week, the trailhead for the Thomas Lake Trail is a popular spot.
We hiked at a leisurely pace, pausing to look for birds to add to our eBird list. We encountered large flocks of American Robins filling up on huckleberries to fuel their migrations.
We also paused to check out a pika site. A sentry was on duty so we knew the site still was occupied, and I captured data for a Cascade Pika Watch report.
We reached the central plateau of the Indian Heaven volcanic field and stopped at Rock Lake for lunch. From there, we continued on through meadows and forest, sampling the remaining huckleberries and enjoying the views of the small lakes and tarns while watching Turkey Vultures drifting south in circles overhead as they searched for updrafts to power them along. We marveled over the bright reds of the backlit Cascade bilberry bushes.
Reluctantly we turned around to head back to the trailhead for the drive home. September is such a special time of year and the ideal month for hiking in Indian Heaven, but it is fleeting.
Driving Tip: The washout on FR 65 has not been repaired. We recommend driving up the Wind River Highway to the junction with FR 6507. Drive gravel FR 6507 about 4 miles to the junction with FR 65, turn left on FR 65 and reach the Thomas Lake trailhead in about 1/2 mile.
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