Gillette Lake
Central Gorge, Washington
Resting at Gillette Lake. (photographer: Micheal Drewry)
Hike Details
Type:
Out and back
Distance:
5.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:
850 feet
Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail Features
Family Friendly:
No
Restrooms:
Yes
Trailhead Pass:
Trail Details
Beautiful Views

Creating a World-Class Trekking Network Encircling the Gorge

Learn more about the initiative to create a 200-mile loop trail network in the Gorge.

On the Trail

This 5.4-mile, out-and-back hike gains 850 feet of elevation on its way to Gillette Lake, one of many natural lakes nestled within the landslide mass that slid off Table Mountain several hundred years ago. Much of the hike is on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Permits & Pets

The Pacific Crest Trail portion of the hike is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Other trail sections pass through private and state lands. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at this site and can be purchased here. Dogs must be on leash in all sections.

Trail Notes

  • Stay on the trail throughout the hike, as some of the land it passes through is privately owned.
  • The Tamanous Trail (Trail 27) begins at the far end of the parking area. As the trail climbs, it offers views of Bonneville Dam. In 0.6 mile, turn left onto the PCT. Pass two ponds and cross old forest roads. Table Mountain and Greenleaf Peak are visible as the trail comes into clear-cut areas, after which the trail traverses hilly landslide topography. The trail then climbs to cross a road, and continues downhill to the lake.
  • Please clean your boots before and after you hike. Hikers and their dogs are common vectors for spreading invasive seeds.
  • Restrooms are at the trailhead.

Post-Hike Explorations

From the trailhead, learn about the landslides that created the jumbled topography you’ve just traversed. From the Bonneville trailhead, drive 3.6 miles east on SR 14 and turn left onto SW Rock Creek Drive in Stevenson. In 0.3 mile, turn right into the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, a beautiful museum that covers the gamut of Gorge history, with an interesting shop that carries local history books and crafts. Afterward, find one of Stevenson’s many brewpubs to cap the day.

Other Hikes at or Near this Trailhead



Directions & Travel Tips

North Bonneville Trailhead: On SR 14 at the Bridge of the Gods (tolls are required on the bridge), travel west on SR 14 for 2 miles, then turn right into the Bonneville trailhead parking area.

Car-free Transit: A seasonal weekend shuttle operates to the trailhead. Click here for schedule and fare information.