location-photo
camera
len
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens
Get more with explorest pro
Shutter Speed, Aperture, Focal Length, ISO

Blue Lake in the North Cascades

avatar
@michaelmatti
This relatively easy hike takes you to one of the best lakes in Washington for capturing brightly-colored larches. Stand at the shore of Blue Lake and gaze across the turquoise water at the massive mountains on the far side. Whether you're there to experience it in person, or if you're looking at this location from a photo, this place will truly take your breath away!

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime — as long as the North Cascades Highway (hwy 20) is open (usually May-Nov)

Fee

Day use fee=$5 or free with a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass

Pack

  • Wide-angle lens (16mm)
  • Water
  • Food
  • Layers
  • Hiking boots (the trail can be muddy)
  • Micro-spikes or similar traction (the trail can be icy depending on time of year)
  • Drone (optional)

How to get there

N48° 30' 28.3392"W120° 40' 19.0344"
This photo was taken at the shore of Blue Lake in the North Cascades in Washington. In total, the hike is about 4.5 miles roundtrip with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. To reach this spot, begin your hike at the Blue Lake Trailhead (48.518965, -120.674360), which is just west of Washington Pass on North Cascades Highway (hwy 20). The parking lot is right off of the highway on the south side of the road and if you're coming from the west on hwy 20, the parking lot is 29.7 miles past the Diablo Lake Viewpoint. Once parked, the trail up to Blue Lake is well marked and simple to hike along. Follow the signs and reference the GPS coordinates to find the exact place where I stood on the lake's edge for this view.

Tips

Get more with
explorest pro
Learn more about the locations and
how to get the best pictures including:
Best times to go
Current weather conditions and times around twilight
Field tips
Gear used & photo settings
What to do nearby

Locations nearby

location-nearby
location-nearby
location-nearby