Blanca Lake

One of the lakes contributing to the beauty of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Also, one of the 100 Classic Hikes of Washington, so say The Mountaineers.

National Forest Road 63 is permanently closed due to 3 major washouts along the road to the trailhead. The washed out road adds 2 to 2.5 miles to the trail length both ways. This hike is now roughly 12 miles round trip NOT 7.7 miles. There are 45 grueling switchbacks along this trail and it is NOT for beginners! Take double the water that you normally take for a hike or bring a Life Straw.

Begin your hike in a beautiful a second growth forest that could be mistaken for an old growth due to its sizable trees. The trail is easy to follow but begins switchbacks early on. At first, they are in the trees, and after you break the treeline, you continue your switchbacks on a rocky face with a welcome view of the surrounding mountains.

Before you know it, you'll find yourself on a ridge line that drops to a small lake, more or less desirable to be near, depending on how you feel about little critters and the season. Continue on to begin the descent to Blanca Lake - more primitive trail here than the rest of the hike. The gorgeous turquoise Blanca Lake is fed by the glacier in the middle of the framing peaks of Monte Cristo and Keyes.