Gifford Pinchot National Forest Indian Heaven Wilderness Wapiki Lake Hike Hike 69
Length: 7 Miles round trip Elevation Change: 1550' Elevation gain Season: Summer thru Fall Difficulty: Challenging Permit: NW Forest Pass Required Features:
The first three miles of this hike are
identical to the first three miles of
the hike to Lemei Rock, as they both
use the same trail. The trail leaves
Forest Road #24 and gently climbs up
a long ridge toward the lake. At about
1 mile you will come to the junction
of Trail #102 which is actually another
way to access the trail to Wapiki Lake
and Lemei Rock.
As you enter the Indian Heaven Wilderness,
the trail gets steeper and you will
encounter a few well placed switchbacks.
Along this area you can catch glimpses of
Mt Adams to the northeast. As you gain
altitude, the trail wanders in and out
of heavily forested areas. Then just
before you reach the junction to the lake,
the trail gets very steep and is in a
dense forest.
At about 3 miles you will come to the
junction of Trail #34A, which you need
to follow to Wapiki Lake. You will notice
the sign reads Wapika Lake, so who knows
how it is really suppose to be spelled?
Anyway, this last half mile is quite
steep, and it is mostly out in the open.
The last little bit of the trail takes
you through a grove of large trees,
then there you are standing on the eastern
shore of Wapiki Lake.
This is one of the most beautiful lakes in
the Indian Heaven Wilderness, as well as the
entire Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Your efforts to get here will be greatly
rewarded. As you walk around the left, or
south side of the lake, you will notice a
small pond. Enjoy!
A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
