Thimbleberry-Heart Lake Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake

Bears often frequent the area of the trail in particular when berries are ripe.

The Thimbleberry Trailhead begins about 4 miles southeast of Sitka on Sawmill Creek Road. Cross Thimbleberry Creek Bridge (watch for sign) and immediately to your left is a trailhead sign and parking area.

The trail climbs rapidly through a hemlock-spruce forest for about an eighth of a mile, to the left below the bridge is Thimbleberry Falls. After a few switchbacks and bridges, follows a power line corridor to Thimbleberry Lake. The distance to the lake is an easy 0.25 miles. A small dock and a skate changing area is at the lake outlet. In the winter it is a favorite skating spot although it can be quite windy. The lakeshore is fairly accessible. Fishing for trout is fair, with the best spot being at the northeast end of the lake, near the inlet stream.

The trail continues along the north and east sides of the lake following the power line corridor. Follow the trail up and over a somewhat steep rise about a half mile further to Heart Lake. There is a small dock and a rowboat (oars should be there, but BYO lifejackets.) Heart Lake is a local swimming hole in the summer and a great skating spot in the winter. The trail continues around the south end of Heart Lake, splashes across a small stream, and continues down a steep grade to Blue Lake Road.

Alternatively, one can access the trail from Blue Lake Road, about 5 miles east of Sitka. At mile 5.5 on Sawmill Creek Road across from the pulp mill, turn left onto the uphill gravel road. Blue Lake Road is closed in the winter and maybe closed during project or road work. Call the City and Borough Electric Department for updates.

Once at the Blue Lake Road trailhead, bicycles and hikers can continue up Blue Lake Road for more views and good riding. The next trail up the valley is the Beaver Lakes Hiking Trail.