Best Hikes in Washington State: Blanca Lake
Best Hikes in Washington State: Blanca Lake
Blanca Lake is one of those pinch me I must be dreaming this is too beautiful to be real lakes. Seeing that otherworldly teal lake when you crest the summit makes every step and switchback of that tough 3300 feet of elevation gain 100% worth it. With its minty green surreal color Blanca Lake is one of the most stunning lakes in the Henry M. Jackson wilderness or possibly even the whole Cascades.
The Beginning half of the trail is very tough being almost all switchbacks and gaining almost 3,000 feet in less than 3 miles. The beginning is a beautiful forest with many large trees and lots of wildlife. Once you finally get to the top crest of the trail the hike becomes considerably easier. Instead of pain in each step you get to stroll along a beautiful alpine ridge with a gorgeous view of Glacier Peak on a clear sunny day. The two times that I have done this hike you could only partially see Glacier Peak through the clouds. But still very impressive. Depending on the time of year you can take a well-deserved break and munch on some wild huckleberries. There are tons growing up there along the way.
The peaks surrounding Blanca Lake are Monte Cristo, Columbia, and Keyes. The runoff from the Columbia Glacier feeds into Blanca Lake through a waterfall that can be seen in the picture above. It’s the unsorted clay and rock sediment called glacial till that gives Blanca its unique ethereal minty hue.
After the ridge you will begin a downward decent past Virgin Lake. When you first reach this stagnant bog of a lake do not despair, as my friend and I did the first time we went on this hike, thinking that perhaps the pictures on the internet of Blanca were just overly photoshopped beyond recognition. This swampy lake is Not Blanca. Blanca Lake lies beyond Virgin Lake as a kind couple thankfully pointed out to us. Virgin lake is made up entirely from rainfall and melting snow with no river flowing in or out. We heard several frogs croaking as we went by.
You continue past Virgin Lake down about 700 feet for .5 mile over some rough terrain that you have to be extra cautious about tripping over. Then soon enough you will see Blanca Lake in her full teal glory. Victory! You made it!
You can take some epic pictures at the viewpoint before continuing down to the shore of the lake. Usually other hikers are also snapping pictures away in this spot and it is easy to ask them to take a pic of you and your group of friends and vice versa. Down at the base of the lake you can just sit in awe of the stunning landscape, eat your lunch, kick back and relax. There is a good sized rock to the right of the lake that is perfect for jumping off of.
It’s a good idea to plan this hike on a hot summer day. Blanca Lake, being made up of glacier runoff is always freezing cold. But diving in and swimming a bit after 3300 feet of elevation gain is immensely refreshing.
I haven’t camped at Blanca Lake yet, but when I hiked there for the day I saw that there are campsites available for people that backpack in and passed a few backpackers who were staying there for one night. Hopefully I can go backpacking up there soon and will let you all know how it goes.
Insider tip: Visit Blanca Lake on a weekday. Due to the lake’s popularity, the parking lot on weekends tends to get a bit crazy. There is room in the parking lot for only about 20 cars then everyone is just parking along the side of the road. If weekends are your only option try to get to the trailhead early.
Gold Bar, WA, 98251
47.92336, -121.327643
Driving Directions
Take US Hwy 2 east from Monroe to just past the town of Skykomish. Turn left on to FR 65 also known as Beckler River Road. Continue for 12.5 miles. You will go past the Beckler River Campground. Soon the pavement will turn to gravel. After driving the 12.5 miles, you will arrive at Jack Pass, a 5 way intersection. Take the second left. After 2.3 miles past Jack Pass, you will arrive at the FR 63 junction with the private Garland Mineral Springs Road. Take a right onto FR 63 and continue about 2 miles. The trailhead is on a small spur road to the left, up another small hill
Heads up since I have gone to Blanca Lake there was a wash out in the road before the trail head. This washout turns the usual 7.5 hike into a 13mile one. Cars can’t make it till they do some road repairs but you can just hike to the actual trail head on foot.
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