Blanca Lake trail #1052

Highlights: Mountain views, forest, lake

Distance: 3.5 miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 1900 feet

Ending Elevation: 4000 feet

Difficulty level: More/Most Difficult

Map(s): Green Trails #143

Visitor Use: Extra Heavy

SUMMARY: Blanca Lake sits in a basin surrounded by the peaks of Monte Cristo, Kyes, and Columbia. The lake is fed by the Columbia Glacier to the northwest. The glacier's cold, silt-filled melt water is what makes the lake a spectacular turquoise green color.

The trail climbs quickly from switchback to switchback through the forest until finally reaching a ridge, gaining 2,700 feet in elevation in 3.0 miles. At the ridge, you can take in beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.

From the ridge-top, the trail continues to climb, winding through grassy sub-alpine meadows until reaching its highest point at Virgin Lake (4,600 feet) on the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness boundary; wilderness rules apply. Leaving Virgin Lake, the trail gets a little rough and begins a steep descent of 500 feet in 0.5 mile to the southern shore of Blanca Lake.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS: Drive State Route 2 and turn north at the Index turnoff onto the North Fork Skykomish River Road #63. Drive 18.1 miles to the trailhead.

Note: At 15.7 miles, Road #63 makes a sharp turn to the north. If you continue traveling east, you will be on the #65 road.

Northwest Forest Pass required to park: Yes

TRAILGUIDE

Best Seasons: Late Spring/Summer/Fall

AREA

US2 Skykomish River Index

RANGER STATION (NEAREST)

Skykomish Ranger Station

TRAIL REVIEW submit your review

Notice: Hiking in the backcountry can be dangerous. Information on this website comes from a variety of sources. You have to be responsible for using good common sense and researching trails carefully. Things change constantly in the outdoors.

Use caution while hiking so you can enjoy it safely. Don't get in over your head. A call to the ranger station and avalanche hotline(winter) are highly recommended. Bring the ten essentials and make sure someone knows where you are going and expect to be back.