What kind of obstacles can be expected on the trail after the river crossing?

After crossing the East Fork Foss River, the trail becomes aggressively steep, strenuous, and rocky, with significant blowdowns and overgrown sections reported. Some hikers found the route-finding through boulder fields challenging.

What is the current bug situation?

Bugs have been reported as an annoyance by multiple hikers. They were an issue in [late July](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-15.195531486307) and [mid-August](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-14.091649034029), with one report describing them as "prehistoric" and "ferocious".

What is the parking situation like at the trailheads?

Parking can be quite crowded, especially on Saturdays. One report from [September 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-22.115931429246) noted full parking lots and cars lining the road by 9:30 AM. Another from [July 25](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-27.215023425519) mentioned crowded parking at 12:30 PM on a Saturday.

Tank Lakes

Q: What is the condition of the East Fork Foss River crossing?

As of [September 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-22.115931429246), the bridge was out, but the water was reasonable speed and below knee height for 5'4" hikers, making it a simple crossing. An earlier report from [August 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-20.120227058074) also noted it as knee-deep and delightfully cold.

Central Cascades

updated 6 days ago

The Tank Lakes trail currently presents a mixed bag of conditions. While the road access remains suitable for all vehicles, there are reports of significant blowdowns and overgrown sections, particularly after crossing the East Fork Foss River. One report from August 19 describes this latter section as aggressively steep, strenuous, and rocky. Snow is no longer a significant issue, with reports of it being snow-free as of August 19. Bugs have been noted as an annoyance by several hikers, particularly in late July and mid-August. Parking can be crowded, especially on weekends, with reports of full lots by mid-morning.

Generated from 22 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Tank Lakes

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 6 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

As of September 19, the bridge was out, but the water was reasonable speed and below knee height for 5'4" hikers, making it a simple crossing. An earlier report from August 19 also noted it as knee-deep and delightfully cold.