Blanca Lake Trailhead

Xtian Gunther

Not an easy hike. Lots of steeper climbing and switchbacks. However, if you are in shape and feisty, there are lots of huckleberries (yum!) and some wild blueberries (meh) -the lighter-colored berries- along much of the trail in summer and early autumn. Berries appear a mile or two into the hike. There are lots of peek-a-boo views and some great full on dramatic views once you get a couple of miles in. At about two thirds in, there is a great alpine meadow/hilly area where bears supposedly live. We saw no signs of any whatsoever during our trek. If I was a bear though, it looks like a pretty great area to live in! The final mile/mile and a half is a gnarley drop on steep terrain. Be careful and you'll be fine. Go slow here. There are a few chipmunks and birds. At the end of your decent? One of the most remarkable lakes in the state. Not quite Colchuck (no real beachhead anywhere I could see and the water is a tad less 'whoa' but, still, incredible and aqua-y). Marmots scurry on the steep rocky sections. Keep an eye out. They are adorable. In mid-September, the water was cold but I took a quick dip and others did, too. Life affirming! Bring a towel. The Return hike isn't as bad as it seems like it would be, after such a dramatic descent. However, by the time you hit the switchbacks in the last couple of miles, you might just be starting to feel wiped. This area is a little on the remote side. One needs to go down a long access road to get here. Needless to say, though I think they close the roads up, do not attempt this hike when cold weather sets in. At all. Any ice or snow whatsoever will almost certainly make this trail unnavigable and incredibly, incredibly risky. Enjoy it while the weather is warm as you are unlikely to ever forget the experience of this one.

Jonathan Melusky

We went on a weekend and rainy so it was easy to park. Bottomed out 10 times or so on the dirt road. On bridge was bad. Forest pass required. Pit toilet was clean and smelled fine. Easy trail to follow but google maps led us off course. So we waited for another car to come along to lead us the way up. We couldn't see the lakes due to fog on the upper ridge so we ate lunch and headed home eating huckleberries along the way. August 8th 2021.

Randy Rozayy

An absolute must do! If you’re an avid hiker and you’re in the Pacific Northwest, this is a must do. It’s absolutely beautiful. But, to be able to take in all its beauty, definitely check out the weather before hand. At times it can be foggy. Luckily when we went it cleared up. They say the hike is 7.5 to and from... When I tracked it with my garmin it said it was just under 12 miles. So I do not know what to believe. If anyone can let me know I would appreciate it.

Shane Griffiths

Awesome hike! Get here early because it's a long hike (about 13 miles with the road closure). Recommend bringing poles. Lots of switchbacks in the beginning which can be tiring. The elevation was confusing here as you are only doing 2/3 of it on the way up - you go up and then down to the lake. The rest is gained on the way back. The lake is just warm enough to swim in peak season. Definitely a bucket list hike!