Blue Lake — Sunday, Sep. 25, 2016

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

First off, let me say that if you're looking for solitude, this is not the hike for that. Blue Lake is an incredibly popular seasonal trail, as well as an access point for climbers trails up to Liberty Bell and Early Winters Spires. Even on weekdays this trail sees plenty of activity from what I understand. We hiked yesterday (Sunday) and it was very busy, we passed many people on the trail and there were lots of people sitting around the lake taking in the views. Fall color is just beginning to emerge, so I recommend getting up there soon for the best colors. The larches are yellowing and the underbrush such as blueberry plants, etc, are getting quite red. The hike begins by following the highway for a short time through the forest, lots of blowdowns on the side of the trail but none obstructing. This is a well maintained and very easy to follow trail all the way to the lake. Some areas are slightly rocky, but nothing at all unmanageable. After a short time, you emerge into the first meadow, and catch some beautiful views of the peaks above on a clear day. Here are some first glimpses of fall color as well. After the meadow, you head back into the forest and start climbing a little more, with a quick switchback here and there guiding you up the mountainside. Eventually you break out of the thick woods into more alpine-like wilderness, and you will start seeing larch trees and stronger fall color. There is also a chill in the air up there, so dress in layers, you'll want it when you get to the lake, especially in the afternoon when the sun is behind the mountain. At 1.75miles, you'll see a sign denoting no camping within a 1/4 mile of Blue Lake, which means you're getting close! You'll climb a slightly steep hillside and hear a creek on your right...keep going, you're basically there! Cross a timber over the creek and head up to the lake. Don't forget to check out the old cabin ruins, it's pretty neat for kiddos! You can then choose to take the high trail above the lake for higher up views, or stay low and skirt the side of the lake towards the talus slopes beneath Early Winters. We opted for the low trail and headed over to the talus for lunch. Lots of active Pikas, birds, and chipmunks. Remember not to feed them! They are pushy, clever little beggars. It took us probably about an hour and a half to hike up, and we rested at the lake for a while for lunch...our trip down however took a loooong time, I didn't take my camera out on the hike up because I know how distracted I get, hah. On the hike down I was snapping pics of fall color, so we probably took at least 2 hours coming down. Some photos attached. I do landscape photography, so if you'd like to see more images from this hike, feel free to check out my photography page: www.facebook.com/jbhawkinsphotography. Take in the views, it's incredible up there!