Blanca Lake Trail

Blanca Lake Trail (Trail 1052) is a long, demanding out-and-back hike in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, heading through the Wild Sky Wilderness/ Henry M. Jackson Wilderness boundary. Expect strong climbing, with roughly 3,385 ft of total elevation gain and a typical hike time of about 6 to 6.5 hours for the round trip.

The first part of the route is a steep, sustained grind that builds over about the first 3 miles with 37 switchbacks. After that, the tread continues upward through grassy sub-alpine meadows toward a high point near Virgin Lake at about 4,600 ft.

From Virgin Lake, the trail turns into a steep descent, dropping on the order of 500–600 ft over roughly the last half-mile before reaching the southern shore of Blanca Lake.

Blanca Lake sits in a basin surrounded by Monte Cristo, Kyes, and Columbia peaks, with the lake’s bright turquoise-green color tied to Columbia Glacier meltwater. The lake is accessible only by foot along Blanca Lake Trail.

Trailhead access is from the Blanca Lake Trailhead, which provides the starting point for Blanca Lake Trail 1052. There are no potable water facilities at the trailhead, and the site has vault toilets.

A Recreation Pass is required at the Blanca Lake Trailhead (Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Recreation Passes are accepted; Washington Discover Pass isn’t valid at U.S. fee sites). Hikers-only rules apply within the wilderness areas, and party size is limited to 12 people.

If you’re planning the trip, seasonality matters: Blanca Lake is typically only easily reached from June through October or November as snow and melt conditions change.

More information: Wikipedia, Visitor information, Visitor information