Blue Lake (North Cascades)

Background: Blue Lake is an alpine tarn located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest at an elevation of 6254 feet. The surrounding granite spires frame a forest of Larch that turn the entire landscape brilliant shades of yellow and orange in the fall. The lake is inaccessible in the winter, as a section of Highway 20 closes in the Autumn, when snow and avalanche conditions warrant. The Highway is cleared and reopens the following Spring.

I did this hike June 18, 2019. I left Bellingham at 6:30am for the 2.5 hour drive to the trailhead. I frequently hike in the Baker Lake area, so the initial portion of the drive was overly familiar with a modicum of tediousness. Passing Marblemount, I was reminded of the proximity of Cascade Pass, and filed this away mentally for a future hike this season. Newhalem and Diablo passed by in my rear view mirror. Both are company towns operated by Seattle City Light for workers at the area dams. There are many interesting sites to see nearby, but they were not on the agenda for this trip. I did make the obligatory stop at the Diablo Overlook.

Diablo Overlook

The trailhead is located immediately off Highway 20, less than one mile from Washington Pass. I would estimate that the parking area can accommodate about 30 vehicles, although upon my arrival at 9:15am it remained mostly vacant. The trailhead has a pit toilet and a trail kiosk near the trail register.

The initial quarter-mile or so of trail dips down and follows next to Highway 20. There are frequent boardwalks, so I assume that the area can be marshy in the spring. The sounds of passing vehicles were apparent, but were soon left behind as the trail continues. The trail is well groomed for the next mile, and is free of rocks and roots. Elevation gain was very gradual on exertion was minimal.

After approximately one mile, the trail enters a clearing, and the first views of the surrounding peaks becomes visible. North and South Early Winters Spires are visible directly ahead, and Liberty Bell Peak, with Concord and Lexington Peaks are visible to the left.

The views from the first clearing

The trail re-enters the forest and gradually meanders through rocks and fallen trees. The occasional rivulet crossed the trail, which I imagine dry up as summer progresses. Near a stream I rounded a corner and came face to face with a female Mountain Goat and her kid. We both examined each other closely before they scampered off. The trail continued upwards, with Avalanche Lily carpeting both sides of the trail as I neared the lake.

The trail began to climb a bit more steeply, with small patches of quickly melting snow visible in areas that did not get full sun. The stream that drains Blue Lake became audible, and then visible. The remainder of the trail was marked with rope in an attempt to keep people from trampling the fragile vegetation surrounding the lake.

The lake outlet, nearing Blue Lake

There were are several trails around the lake, all well marked and roped. The lake was completely thawed out, which had occurred in the previous 2 days. I walked down to a rock outcropping that serves as the most popular overlook. From this point I spent several minutes enjoying the view before eating an early lunch.

Blue Lake. Liberty Bell, Concord, Lexington, and the Early Winter Spires in the background.

The highlight of this hike, and indeed, the main reason that I did it, was to see one specific tree. When I first began hiking, and I would research hikes, Blue Lake would frequently be a search result. Each time, the picture always included a very notable curved Larch. I was finally able, this day, to see it myself.

The Larch.

This hike was short and sweet, with maximum reward for minimal effort. The next time I make the drive, I will try to time it with the Larch dropping their needles.