Heading Toward Blue Lake in the North Cascades

Blue Lake sits a little over two trail miles from Highway 20.  This hike toward the lake features towering granite peaks, forests, meadows, wildflowers, and, of course, incredible views of the surrounding peaks.  At the trailhead, a sign discusses serious alpine climbing opportunities in the mountains.  We opt for the trail, instead of the straight-up-the rock-face alpine options, which heads up with about 1,050 feet (320 meters) of elevation change.

Trail or Climb

The trail starts out over boardwalks through the forest along the highway and then turns away from the highway and starts to head up to the lake.

Forest boardwalk

Trail up

Initial views

The trail continues up toward the lake.

Continuing up

Expansive views

Near the peak, we savor the views and the clear air on this beautiful day and start our descent back to the trailhead.

Heading back down

Enjoying the views

At the trailhead, we find that the parking lot has filled up while we were hiking and cars are parked along Highway 20 as people enjoy the trails and the hikes.

Overflowing onto the highway

View from highway level

Another great day in the North Cascades!