Gillette Lake

Gillette Lake is a 5.3-mile out-and-back from Bonneville Trailhead, with about 850 feet of climbing. Tamanous Trail #27 joins the Pacific Crest Trail, which leads past ponds and through old landslide terrain before descending to the blue-green lake. This is a moderate, roughly three-hour hike for someone who wants a longer forest approach and a lakeside destination.

Start at the east end of the parking area on Tamanous Trail. It climbs through forest, with views back toward Bonneville Dam. After about 0.6 mile, turn left onto the PCT. The PCT passes two ponds and old forest roads. In the clear-cut openings, Table Mountain and Greenleaf Peak come into view; farther on, the route rolls across hilly ground left by the Bonneville landslide. Much of the walk is wooded, but the openings are more exposed, and footing is rocky near the quarry road.

Just before Gillette Lake, cross an active dirt road serving a quarry and pass beneath powerlines as the trail drops toward the water. The blue-green lake and its curved, wooded bank are the payoff. Keep some of that shoreline in the frame if you take a photo; it gives the water a sense of place. Gillette Lake is the turnaround for this listing. The PCT continues beyond it to a grassy pond and a small rock overlook, but those are optional extensions that add distance. Return the same way for the round trip.

Allow about three hours with a stop. This is a moderate hike: the distance and rolling climb make it more than a quick stroll. Stay on the marked route where it passes private and state lands, and keep dogs leashed throughout. Bonneville Trailhead is open year-round but is day-use only, from sunrise to sunset; a day-use fee or accepted recreation pass applies. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead, but there is no potable water there.