Thomas, Blue and Tombstone Lakes — Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022

Arrived Thomas Lake TH 10:10am, Sat. morning. Temp about 68-70 degrees. Overcast skies very hazy with very light smoke from fires burning North and East of me. Goat Rocks/Packwood region. Parking lot already crammed to capacity with cars. About 20 more vehicles parked on road. A pass is required. This a very pleasant loop you can do which will yield about 10.3-10.5 miles with a good deal of variety. (canopy, light forest, meadows, lakes, etc.) I would rate it Moderate with regard to difficulty.

Before starting out, I did ask others returning if there were bugs and all said "no bugs" which is a relief. I've always wanted to see the Indian Heaven area. Proceeded east on Thomas lake trail for 1.9 miles. Turned north (left) at an intersecting trail proceeding toward Elk Lake trail. Not sure of the name of it. May have been called the Old Crest Trail). At 1.8 miles you reach an intersecting trail. (Elk Lake trail) Turn to your right east, and go maybe 350 feet up hill to intersect with the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn South (right) and in about 1.0 miles you'll reach Junction Lake. Good place to grab a bite. You are about 5 miles in.

Continue on the PCT south/southwest for about 2 miles skirting the old extinct volcano called East Crater. You will reach Blue Lake. There are a lot of small lakes up in Indian Heaven. Most are named, some without names. Turn north/northwest on Trail #211 and travel about a mile or a bit more passing some small lakes. At the next intersection turn left again at the Thomas Lake trail (eastward) back to your vehicle. About 1.9 miles again.

There were a ton of Huckleberries available in this area and in a few other areas. You also pass through a burned out forested area, which for some reason has it's own kind of beauty. This hike takes about 4.5 hours depending on how long you like your lunch break. (20 minutes or so for me)

Great hike! Well maintained trail except for one section with heavy ruts on the Old Crest Trail. (I think it's called)