Distance
7.5 miles roundtrip
Trail Guide
Blanca Lake Trail
7.5 mi roundtrip · 2,700 ft gain · Hard · Blanca Lake
Trail Stats
Elevation Gain
2,700 ft
Highest Point
4,600 ft
Trailhead Elevation
1,900 ft
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Type
Out And Back
Features
Turquoise glacial lake
Columbia Glacier views
Old growth forest
Technical Notes
Steep switchbacks through dense forest to a ridge, then descends to stunning turquoise glacial lake fed by the Columbia Glacier. The color comes from glacial flour. Steep descent to the lake means climbing back out. Trail is rough and rooty in places. Snow on trail into July. Mosquitoes in early summer.
Getting There
Trailhead
Blanca Lake Trailhead
FR-65, off US-2 near Skykomish
Parking: ~20 spaces
From Seattle
72 mi · 85 min drive
US-2 East past Index and Skykomish. Turn left on FR-65 (Beckler River Rd). Follow for 6 miles to the trailhead. Rough gravel road last 2 miles.
Planning Details
Best Season
July through October
Dogs Allowed
Yes
Required Pass
Northwest Forest Pass
Annual: $30.00 · Day: $5.00
Mountain
Blanca Lake · 4,600 ft · Central Cascades
Avalanche Forecast
Check current avalanche conditions for the Blanca Lake zone before your trip.
Ready to plan?
Get a full trip report with weather, gear, logistics, and an event draft.