If you’re ready to earn your view with one of Washington’s most jaw-dropping lake hikes, Blanca Lake belongs at the top of your list. This strenuous trek in the Henry M. Jackson wilderness delivers soaring peaks, lush forests, and—best of all—a surreal turquoise lake framed by glaciers.
Don’t be fooled by the eight-mile distance. This trail is all business from the start, gaining over 3,300 feet in elevation as it switchbacks steeply through a second-growth forest and up the side of a ridge. But the end reward? An alpine scene so stunning it looks digitally enhanced—Blanca Lake, backed by Kyes Peak and fed by the Columbia Glacier, absolutely lives up to the hype.
Located off a rough gravel road near Skykomish, this hike isn’t for the faint of legs—but for those up to the challenge, it’s one of the most memorable in the Cascades.
Hike Details:
- Distance: 8 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: ~3,400 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Why You'll Love It:
This trail gives you a full forest-to-alpine experience. You’ll start on a steep, shaded trail hemmed in by ferns, huckleberries, and fir trees. As you climb, gaps in the canopy offer hints of the surrounding peaks. After a relentless ascent, the trail finally dips into a subalpine basin—and then the lake hits you with a color so vibrant, it feels unreal.
Trail Insights:
Blanca Lake gets straight to the point—this trail starts climbing right away through mossy forest and doesn’t let up for nearly three miles. A series of steep but well-built switchbacks gains close to 3,000 feet before leveling out along a scenic ridgeline. Huckleberry bushes line much of the upper trail, and on clear days, Glacier Peak makes a striking appearance to the east.
@WonderHound noted on a recent trip report on wta.org:
"🐛 Bugs? Mildly interested in us, but easy to shake if we kept moving. 🧗♀️ Terrain? Steep with relentless switchbacks—bring stamina and maybe a personal pep talk. 🏞️ Reward? Absolutely breathtaking. Stunning! Blanca Lake glows with an otherworldly greenish turquoise hue, fed by the Columbia glacier, framed by granite, alpine peaks…its like a gem tucked deep in the Cascades."
The lake’s brilliant color is thanks to glacial silt from Columbia Glacier, which spills into the basin via twin waterfalls. There’s a great viewpoint 0.2 miles before the lakeshore, and a driftwood-strewn beach at the end where you can rest—just note that camping isn’t allowed within a half-mile of the lake.
Tips for Your Adventure:
- Arrive early: Parking fills up fast, especially on summer weekends.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks: This is a calorie-burner.
- Dress in layers: The lake basin can be chilly, even in summer.
- Bug spray is your friend: Mosquitos can be persistent near the water.
- Parking pass required: Bring a Northwest Forest Pass for the trailhead.
- Trailhead access: Reached via FR 63, a gravel road that’s bumpy but manageable for most cars (drive slow and watch for potholes).
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