Blue Lake in the North Cascades

@michaelmatti

Washington

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Blue Lake

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.