Lemei Lake Trail #179

The Lemei Lake Trail #179 is a 3-kilometre point-to-point trail in the Indian Heaven Wilderness of Washington, United States, gaining approximately 152 metres of elevation to reach a high point of 1,554 metres. Rated moderate, this rewarding short route threads through open wildflower meadows and subalpine forest past a secluded alpine lake before connecting with the Pacific Crest Trail near Junction Lake at 1,442 metres.

About the Lemei Lake Trail #179

The Lemei Lake Trail #179 runs through the heart of the Indian Heaven Wilderness within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, administered by the US Forest Service, Mount Adams Ranger District. Designated Trail #179 within the national forest numbering system, it functions as a key connector between Indian Heaven Trail #33 and the legendary Pacific Crest Trail #2000 (PCT), making it an essential link for hikers assembling longer wilderness loops in this corner of southwestern Washington State.

The Indian Heaven Wilderness covers roughly 20,650 acres of ancient volcanic plateau, scattered with more than 175 lakes and ponds, rolling subalpine meadows, and dense stands of mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. The name "Indian Heaven" reflects the area's long history as summer hunting and huckleberry-gathering grounds for the Klickitat, Yakama, and other Indigenous peoples — a tradition of annual harvests that continues in nearby areas to this day.

Lemei Lake itself sits at approximately 1,524 metres (5,000 feet) elevation, nestled in a meadow bowl fringed with subalpine firs and blueberry bushes. The lake is quiet and reed-lined, flanked by slopes that explode with wildflowers — Indian paintbrush, lupine, and avalanche lily — from mid-July through August. On calm mornings the surface mirrors the surrounding ridgeline, and the lakeside silence is rarely broken by more than a handful of other hikers outside of peak weekends.

At just 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) in length, the trail is short but richly rewarding. The route begins at its signed junction with Indian Heaven Trail #33, roughly 2.7 kilometres south of the Cultus Creek Campground trailhead, then travels south through open meadows and scattered timber past Lemei Lake, crosses a low forested ridge, and descends to the PCT junction near Junction Lake at 1,442 metres (4,730 feet). The point-to-point format suits a shuttle day hike, or the trail folds neatly into longer Indian Heaven loop routes of 12–20 kilometres combining segments of the PCT and Indian Heaven Trail #33.

This trail is popular for overnight backpacking as well as day hiking. Wilderness camping is permitted within Indian Heaven, and the meadow edges near Lemei Lake offer sheltered, low-impact tent sites that fill quickly on summer weekends. Those planning a multi-day trip should carefully budget their nutrition — see How Many Calories Do You Need Hiking a Full Day? for a practical framework tailored to elevation and pack weight — and plan food accordingly for the full loop duration.

Route Overview & Stages

The trail runs south-southeast from its junction with Indian Heaven Trail #33 to the PCT near Junction Lake. There are no significant navigation challenges — the path is well-maintained, clearly signed at all major junctions, and free of exposed scrambling. Cumulative elevation gain is approximately 152 metres (500 feet), with the trail losing elevation past Lemei Lake before a short climb over a broad volcanic ridge and a final gentle descent to Junction Lake.

Trailhead access: Most hikers begin at Cultus Creek Campground (elevation 1,433 m / 4,700 feet) on Forest Road 24, walking 2.7 kilometres along Indian Heaven Trail #33 south to reach the Lemei Lake Trail #179 junction. The total out-and-back from Cultus Creek to Lemei Lake and back is approximately 9.4 kilometres. For the full point-to-point experience, a vehicle shuttle between Cultus Creek Campground and the PCT access point near Junction Lake is needed — the two road points are roughly 8 kilometres apart.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Indian Heaven Wilderness — A 20,650-acre federally protected wilderness on a broad volcanic plateau, holding more than 175 lakes and one of the largest roadless subalpine meadow systems in the southern Washington Cascades.
• Cultus Creek Campground — The primary trailhead, at 1,433 metres on Forest Road 24. Provides 51 developed campsites with vault toilets and a water source, offering the most convenient staging point for early starts into the wilderness.
• Clear Lake Meadows — The expansive meadow complex near Clear Lake, just north of the Lemei Lake Trail junction, is one of the most scenic sections of Indian Heaven Trail #33 and frames distant views across the plateau to Mount Adams.
• Lemei Lake — The centrepiece of the trail, a 1,524-metre alpine lake fringed with subalpine fir, sedge, and blueberry. The lake is calm, clear, and rarely crowded — a genuine backcountry reward for a modest approach effort.
• Huckleberry Fields — The entire Indian Heaven plateau is legendary for its wild huckleberry harvest, typically peaking in August and early September. Both foragers and black bears frequent the meadows, adding lively wildlife activity alongside the berries.
• Lemei Rock — A prominent volcanic plug visible from the ridge between Lemei Lake and Junction Lake, rising to 1,919 metres (6,295 feet). It provides an orientation landmark and a striking backdrop for the meadow sections of the trail.
• Junction Lake — The southern terminus of Trail #179, at 1,442 metres (4,730 feet). This lake marks the PCT crossing and is a popular overnight stop for Pacific Crest Trail through-hikers taking a short detour off the main corridor.
• Pacific Crest Trail #2000 — The iconic 4,265-kilometre trail connecting Mexico to Canada intersects here, opening options north toward White Pass and south toward the Columbia River at Bridge of the Gods for hikers wanting to extend their trip.

Best Time to Hike the Lemei Lake Trail #179

The Indian Heaven plateau typically holds snowpack through May and into early June, keeping Trail #179 inaccessible until late June in most years. Once the meadows clear, the window of optimal conditions runs from July through mid-September — covering wildflower peak, stable warm weather, and dry volcanic rock surfaces underfoot.

As of 2026, August is the single best month to hike Lemei Lake Trail #179. Daytime plateau temperatures average 18–22°C, nights drop to a manageable 5–8°C, huckleberries are at peak ripeness, and wildflowers remain in late bloom around the lake. Weekend campers should plan to arrive by Thursday or target a midweek departure to secure lakeside tent sites before the Friday rush.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The closest developed accommodation to the trail is Cultus Creek Campground, operated by the US Forest Service at the primary trailhead on Forest Road 24. The campground offers 51 sites with vault toilets and a seasonal water source, priced at approximately $18 USD (≈ €17) per night. Sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov during the summer season; unreserved sites are available on a first-come basis.

Little Goose Campground, a smaller Gifford Pinchot National Forest facility a few kilometres further west on FR 24, provides an alternative base at comparable pricing. Both campgrounds sit at around 1,400 metres, placing campers genuinely within the subalpine zone rather than a low-elevation parking area.

For backcountry overnights, wilderness camping within the Indian Heaven Wilderness is free of charge (wilderness permit required — see below). Tent sites near Lemei Lake are the most sought-after spots in the wilderness. Camp at minimum 60 metres from any water source and use a bear canister or hang food; black bears are consistently active through September. No staffed huts, mountain lodges, or hostels exist within or immediately adjacent to the wilderness.

The nearest town with commercial lodging is Trout Lake, Washington (approximately 22 km southeast), which has small inns and vacation rentals in the $100–140 USD (≈ €92–129) per night range. Hood River, Oregon, roughly 60 kilometres south across the Columbia River, offers a broader selection of hotels and boutique accommodation at €80–150 per night and serves as a natural hub for multi-day trips.

Getting There & Back

From Trout Lake, WA, drive west on State Route 141, which transitions into Forest Road 24. Continue past Peterson Prairie Campground and Little Goose Campground; the Cultus Creek Campground entrance is approximately 14 kilometres west of the FR 60 intersection. FR 24 is paved to the campground but may be rough in early season before the road crew's first maintenance pass — a high-clearance vehicle is advisable before late June.

The nearest major international gateway is Portland International Airport (PDX), approximately 120 kilometres southeast of the trailhead. From PDX, drive north on I-205 across the Columbia River into Washington, then take US-14 west to SR-141 north at White Salmon, and continue through Trout Lake to FR 24. Total driving time from the airport is approximately 2 hours in normal conditions. There is no public transit serving the trailhead; a rental car or private vehicle is necessary for all visitors.

For point-to-point hikers completing the full Trail #179, a shuttle is needed between Cultus Creek Campground and the PCT trailhead near Junction Lake. The two road access points are roughly 8 kilometres apart. No commercial shuttle services operate in the area; hiker carpools and informal trip planning through the Washington Trails Association trip reports are the most reliable coordination resource.

Permits & Fees

A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at Cultus Creek Campground and all Gifford Pinchot National Forest trailheads. Passes cost $5 per day or $30 per calendar year (USD). The America the Beautiful interagency annual pass ($80/year USD) also satisfies this requirement and is valid at all federal land fee areas nationwide — good value for hikers visiting multiple national forests or parks in a season.

Within the Indian Heaven Wilderness, all visitors must complete a self-issue wilderness permit at the trailhead register box. This permit is free and requires no advance booking — complete one per hiking party before crossing the wilderness boundary. No quota system or timed-entry reservation is currently in place for day hikers, though regulations can change between seasons; confirm the current year's requirements on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website before visiting.

Campfire restrictions typically apply within the Indian Heaven Wilderness throughout the summer months due to high fire risk on the volcanic plateau. A camp stove is the only reliable cooking option on overnight trips. Check current fire restrictions with the Mount Adams Ranger District before your departure date.

Gear & Packing List

Lemei Lake Trail #179 is a moderate, short trail suited to anything from a casual day hike to a light overnight backpack. The subalpine environment demands layering — afternoon temperatures in August can reach 22°C but evening temperatures at the 1,524-metre lake drop quickly to single figures, and afternoon thunderstorms are possible from late July through August.

Pack selection: For a day hike, a 12–20 litre vest or daypack is all that's needed. The Salomon ADV Skin 12 handles fast-and-light day hikes with integrated hydration compatibility and a minimal 160 g frame weight. For an overnight carrying a shelter, sleeping bag, and 2 days of food, step up to a 40–50 litre ultralight pack: the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 40L keeps base weight under 600 g and suits precisely this kind of short wilderness backpack. If you're extending into a full Indian Heaven loop of 3 or more days, the greater capacity of the Osprey Aether 65 provides the headroom for extra food, a bear canister, and a warmer sleep system. For a thorough comparison of ultralight options, see Best Ultralight Backpacks 2026: 7 Sub-1 kg Packs Tested.

Essential gear for Lemei Lake Trail #179:

• Navigation: downloaded offline topo map — cell coverage is unreliable above 1,400 m on the plateau
• Rain layer: Pacific Northwest weather can shift rapidly even on clear August mornings
• Insulation: mid-layer fleece or packable down jacket for evenings at the lake (temps drop to 5–8°C)
• Water treatment: Lemei Lake water is filterable; carry a lightweight filter or iodine tablets as backup
• Sun protection: open meadow sections are fully exposed; SPF 30+ sunscreen is essential from 10:00 onward
• Bear canister or hang system: black bears are reliably present in huckleberry season through September
• Trekking poles: useful for early-season stream crossings on the Indian Heaven Trail #33 approach and for rocky ridge descents
• First aid kit with blister supplies: volcanic rock trail surfaces can be abrasive on longer loop distances

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the Lemei Lake Trail #179's blend of volcanic wilderness, alpine lake scenery, and PCT connectivity appeals to you, these US trails offer similarly rewarding short-to-moderate routes with strong destination payoffs. For dramatic canyon depth, the South Kaibab Trail and North Kaibab Trail descend into the Grand Canyon from opposite rims — iconic point-to-point routes with every bit as strong a terminus reward as Lemei Lake delivers. The Hidden Canyon trail in Zion National Park packs slot canyon drama into a comparably compact distance, while California's Clouds Rest Trail climbs through granite wilderness above Yosemite Valley for sweeping Sierra Nevada panoramas. Yosemite's Panorama Trail shares the point-to-point DNA of Lemei Lake Trail #179, linking Glacier Point to the Valley floor with continuous waterfall views along a well-graded descent. For an entirely different continent, the Theth to Valbona Hike in Albania delivers one of Europe's finest single-day mountain crossings with a comparable sense of remote reward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to hike Lemei Lake Trail #179?

The optimal hiking window runs from July through mid-September, when Trail #179 is reliably snow-free and trail surfaces are dry. August is the single best month: daytime temperatures at 1,524 metres average 18–22°C, huckleberries are ripe across the meadows, wildflowers remain in late bloom around the lake, and the trail is in peak condition. Avoid June without first checking current snow depth reports for the Indian Heaven plateau.

How difficult is the Lemei Lake Trail #179?

The trail is rated moderate. At 3 kilometres with approximately 152 metres of cumulative elevation gain, the route is accessible to most fit adults and older children comfortable with uneven terrain. The main challenge is the volcanic rock trail surface, which is rough underfoot in sections, and the open meadow approach, which offers no shade on warm afternoons. No technical climbing, scrambling, or navigation aids beyond a basic topo map are required.

How far is Lemei Lake from the Cultus Creek trailhead, and how long does the hike take?

From Cultus Creek Campground, hikers cover 2.7 kilometres along Indian Heaven Trail #33 before joining Lemei Lake Trail #179 at its northern junction. Lemei Lake is approximately 1.5 kilometres further along the #179, for a total one-way distance of around 4.2 kilometres (2.6 miles) from the campground. Most hikers reach the lake in 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed walking pace. The full out-and-back to the lake and return is approximately 9.4 kilometres.

Can I camp overnight at Lemei Lake?

Yes. Wilderness camping is permitted within the Indian Heaven Wilderness at no cost, provided you complete the free self-issue wilderness permit at the trailhead register. Tent sites near Lemei Lake are the most popular spots in the wilderness and fill quickly on Friday and Saturday nights in August — midweek arrivals or early-season timing are strongly recommended. Camp at minimum 60 metres from the lake, store food in a bear canister, and pack out all waste. There are no facilities at the lake itself.

Do I need a permit or parking pass to access Lemei Lake Trail #179?

Two requirements apply. First, a Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at Cultus Creek Campground and all FR 24 trailheads — $5 per day or $30 per year (USD); the America the Beautiful interagency annual pass ($80 USD) also satisfies this. Second, all visitors entering the Indian Heaven Wilderness must complete a free self-issue wilderness permit at the trailhead register box. No advance reservation or fee applies to the wilderness permit under current regulations.