Blue Lake

The trail to Blue Lake climbs through the forest via steep switchbacks up this sub-alpine lake. Surrounded by green forests and great rocky peaks, Blue Lake is great destination along the North Cascades Highway, and is a relatively easy route for those with less experience. The lake can sometimes be busy over the summer, so you may want to get an early start. The trail begins running along the highway, but quickly turns away. It maintains a fair grade as it quickly climbs up to the lake. Your first view of the surrounding mountain ranges comes as you pass through a meadow a little under halfway along the trail. As you continue climbing, the trees slowly become scarce as amazing views of the mountains reveal themselves once again. You'll likely hear the trickling of Blue Lake before it comes into view. Snow can remain on the far side of the lake well into the summer. Upon reaching the lake itself you are faced with a crossroads. The left path takes a short climb up overlooking the lake, though it descends and quickly becomes obstructed, and the right path heads to the lakeside itself. You'll have to cross a log bridge over a stream in order to get down to the lake, which may be difficult for those slightly less able. Upon crossing, most travel along the lakeside, though smaller side trails travel up into more secluded, higher areas with even better views.