Our group did an overnight backpacking trip to Wapiki Lake from the Lemei Lake Trailhead.
What we learned / Tips:
This was my first trip to Indian Heaven Wilderness Area. I will definitely be going back. I will not be going back anytime soon due to mosquitoes. I now understand why and how it earned the nickname "Mosquito Heaven"
Hiked in late afternoon and it was a gentle steady uphill from the trailhead to the lake. Arrived at the lake about 1 hour before nightfall. Mosquitoes were manageable with 100% DEET and a fire. Beautiful location, the lake was much larger than I expected and we were the only ones there.
Next morning was a different world. Our campsite was swarmed by mosquitoes. My dog was covered in hundreds at a time. Despite DEET and full coverage (no head nets), it was impossible to hold still and we didn't even cook breakfast. It was clearly time to get moving to a new location. We left the lake after packing our stuff as fast as possible and headed to Lemei Rock hoping a little wind and distance from a water source would help. It just got worse. We climbed Lemei rock and were continuously swarmed. A friend of mine got >100 mosquito bites despite 100% DEET and coverage.
The brief views from the top of Lemei Rock were breathtaking. Able to see Mt. Jefferson, Hood, St. Helens, Adams and Rainier. We stopped and paced along the top swatting mosquitoes for about 3-4 minutes.
Then we hiked out.
Great isolated wilderness with an breathtaking lake (Wapiki) and 5 peak view from Lemei rock. Go the right time of year. I've never seen mosquitoes this bad.
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