backpack: Indian Heaven Wilderness – Junction Lake

Indian Heaven Wilderness is my favorite place for fall color, and this year was exceptional with spectacular color and warm weather – a great way to end backpacking season.

ITINERARY

  • day 1 – East Crater trailhead to Junction Lake: 2.7 miles, 675 ft. gain, 250 ft. loss
  • day 2 – Lakes Basin loop + old trail explorations: 5 miles, 480 ft. gain, 495 ft. loss
  • day 3 – hike out to East Crater trailhead: 2.7 miles, 675 ft. loss, 250 ft. gain

TRIP PLANNING

Day 1 – East Crater trailhead to Junction Lake

2.7 miles, 675 ft. gain

The hike in from the East Crater trailhead is one of the easiest entries to Indian Heaven at only 2.7 miles to reach Junction Lake with minimal elevation gain. Right away, fall color lined the trail.

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip

The 2017 East Crater wildfire burned part of this area but I think the burn area here is pretty with fall color lining small ponds along the trail. East Crater is visible through the trees in the photo below.

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip

Huckleberry shrubs in the fall are what make Indian Heaven so beautiful. They turn brilliant shades of red and purple, contrasting with parts that are still green. And many of them still had ripe huckleberries.

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip

When we reached Junction Lake, we found a private campsite in the trees to setup camp for two nights.

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip

After setting up camp, we explored an unmaintained trail with beautiful meadows.

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip

Watching the full moon rise over Junction Lake

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip

Day 2 – Lakes Basin loop

5 miles, 480 ft. gain

In the morning, we headed out to hike the Lakes Basin loop, taking our time to soak it all in.

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip

Lemei Lake

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip

At Clear Lake, we took a long lunch break, then took an unmaintained trail along the lake and across to Bear Lake.

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip

At Bear Lake, with two horse riders on the peninsula.

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip

Both nights were unusually warm for October, with lows in the 50s and very little wind… and no rain!

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip

Day 3 – hike out

2.7 miles, 675 ft. loss

The hike out was fast and easy… I’m happy that I was able to visit this special place again.

Indian Heaven Wilderness backpacking trip