Thompson Lake from Middle Fork 9-23-2012

We tried to find the trail head once before but didn't.  This time we did.  I-90 East, Exit 34.  Turn left and go under freeway for 1/2 mile.  Turn right to SE Middle Fork Rd, AKA Forest Rd 56.  At 2.5 miles, pavement ends at Mail Box TH.  Continue a few more miles on the gravel road.  Do not cross the concrete bridge.  Park just before the bridge and walk back a few yards and find a faint boot path on the south side of the road.  There is no ribbons or signs.
11 miles, 4100 ft gain, about 6.5 hrs.























The trail (old logging road) is all torn up, and a new bridge appears to be under construction.  Stumps are planted, and newly transplanted trees are either dying or dead.  Rocks and loose dirt and sharp tree branches are hazardous.  The logging road used to be nice and wide.

Thompson Lake sign on the right.  Road to Revolution Peak is also all torn up and blocked.  I don't know how far the road destruction is.  But there already is a boot path to the Revolution Peak.  We went right to Thompson Lake.

 Old sign shortly before the saddle.  There was no one on the trail.

 Thompson Lake

There are 2 small islands in the lake.  Last July, we came here via Mason Lake and met a hiker who camped in the bigger island.  He brought an inflatable boat.

Sly has wild eyes and is ready to chase a stick.  And Blue is ready to herd Sly.

Waiting for a stick to be thrown into the lake

Peaceful Lake all to ourselves

It is definitely a quality hike: good elevation gain, solitude, not too long, and beautiful lake. Trail head is inconspicuous and is easy to miss.  I wish the old logging road were preserved.  Very sad it was destroyed.  We will see how the new trail will stand up to the rain.  We will come back next year.