Blue Lake
North Cascades
As of early December 2025, Blue Lake conditions are wintery. Highway 20 will close for the season after December 4th. Parking at the trailhead is severely limited, with reports of vehicles blocking one lane due to packed snow and ice on December 2nd and 30th. The trail is covered in compact snow, with some icy sections requiring microspikes, especially on the first half (December 2nd, 24th). Snowshoes are recommended for off-trail travel or cutting switchbacks, as deep powder exists away from the main path (December 2nd, 24th). The lake is frozen over, but caution is advised regarding its solidity (December 2nd, 24th). Two downed trees are easily passable (December 24th). Be aware of backcountry skiers whose tracks may deviate from the hiking trail (November 30th).
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Highway 20 is still open until 6pm this coming Thursday, so you have two days remaining to catch this trip. I am glad I got up there today - catching it on a partly sunny day before the highway close...
Arrived at the trailhead at 9am. The parking here is an issue. This seems to be a very popular spot for backcountry skiers, but there is not enough space on the side of the road plowed to meet demand....
First time going to Blue Lake in the snow. The road was totally fine, parking lot is fully snowed in but a big truck could get in just for fun. The first half was icy and needed micro spikes for sure....
Hiked this trail for the first time with snow as I always do it during larch season. Road conditions were excellent. Bare and wet or a little ice but very well sanded. Only encountered four people and...
Snow on the road starting about 2/10 of a mile away from the trailhead but easily passable. Trail with intermittent snow, but completely possible to blue Lake. If continuing on to dock butte some area...
Beautiful early fall hike to Blue Lake. The larch trees were just starting to turn. The lake was clear and we saw some lake trout swimming.We arrived around 9:30 and the parking lot was nearly full. W...
Easy day hike on our way to Twisp. The lake was so clear—we could see lots of fish just begging to be caught. Seems like a very popular trail.
Gorgeous, well maintained, easy hike to a beautiful lake to relax with kids, dogs, or whoever you wish. Parking was easy and I was able to find a spot in the lot with no issues at 11:30 on a Saturday ...
Trail was in good condition. It rained overnight so dust was nonexistent, though the boardwalks were just a bit slippery early in the morning.There is a small log laying across the trail near the lake...
Beautiful hike despite low air quality.We started around 8 am and the parking lot was about half full. We took our time and came back around 11 am. By the time we got back, the lot was full.
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