Blue Lake, Deep Lake, and Elk Lake Loop

This is a great backpacking loop for beginners. Starting at the Thomas Lake Trailhead, you'll hike up to Thomas Lake. Great views of St. Helens behind you, and the huckleberries were just beginning to ripen down this low. Thomas Lake is stocked with rainbow and brook trout. Continue on until you reach Blue Lake, which is on the PCT. Blue Lake has a very strong population of Western Slope Cutthroat. Spend the night at Blue Lake, then take the PCT to Lemei Lake Trail, then Indian Heaven Trail to Deep Lake. Deep Lake has a good view of Mt. Adams, and a strong population of Western Slope Cutthroat. Spend the night at Deep Lake, then backtrack down Indian Heaven Trail to the PCT, then Elk Lake Trail back to Elk Lake. Elk Lake has a few fish, but Bear Lake has a much stronger population of Western Slope Cutthroat. From Elk Lake proceed back down Elk Lake Trail to a lesser traveled, unnamed trail (which parallels the PCT to the west) back to the Thomas Lake Trail to the trailhead. During August, this trail is amazing - the huckleberries are just beginning to ripen, the wildflowers are still going, and the mosquito levels are dropping (but still needed plenty of deet).