Lemei Trail #34

The Lemei Trail #34 is located in the Indian Heaven Wilderness of Gifford Pinchot National Forest. You'll find the trailhead accessible by car, and a free, self-issued wilderness permit is required at the trailhead. Parking is typically available directly at the trailhead.

Yes, a free, self-issued wilderness permit is required at the trailhead for the Lemei Trail #34. You can pick one up when you arrive.

When hiking in the Indian Heaven Wilderness, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles. This includes packing out all trash, staying on marked trails, and respecting wildlife. A free, self-issued wilderness permit is required for entry. Dogs are generally allowed but must be kept on a leash.

The trail is typically closed by snow from November to June. The best time to hike is usually from mid-July, once the high elevation sections have melted out, through early fall. Fall offers particularly beautiful colors.

The trail starts through a second-growth forest, gradually becoming steeper after about 1.5 miles. As it climbs into the Indian Heaven Wilderness, you'll encounter steeper sections and switchbacks, leading to open meadow slopes and rocky areas. Reaching the summit of Lemei Rock involves a short, careful scramble up a scree chute.

The Lemei Trail #34 offers breathtaking panoramic views. You can expect to see Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood. A significant highlight is Lemei Rock itself, and you'll get excellent views of Lake Wapiki, especially as you climb towards the open meadows.

Yes, the trail is open to both hikers and equestrians, and dogs are generally allowed. However, please keep your dog on a leash and pack out all pet waste to preserve the wilderness for everyone.

The Lemei Trail #34 is approximately 5.3 miles long one way. While the komoot tour for this route suggests a duration of around 2 hours 36 minutes, given its 'difficult' rating and significant elevation gain, a more realistic hiking time for the full one-way trail, especially if you plan to enjoy the views or scramble to the summit, could be longer. Plan for a full half-day or more depending on your pace and stops.

The most notable feature is Lemei Rock, the highest point in the Indian Heaven Wilderness. It's the core of an old volcano, and its crater forms the basin for Lake Wapiki, which you'll have great views of. The trail also offers opportunities to see various plants and wildlife.

Given the trail's difficulty and wilderness setting, you should bring plenty of water, as backcountry creeks may dry out. Be prepared for potential mosquitoes, especially in certain seasons. Sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing, navigation tools, and snacks are also highly recommended.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Filloon Trail #102, Wapiki Lake Trail #34A, and the Indian Heaven Trail #33.