Mathis, if he could talk, would say, "This is where I want to be." It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. One more uphill section with mild elevation gain brings you to a stunning view of Blue Lake with Mt. It fills a large, rocky cirque framed by Pawnee Peak (12,943'), Mt Toll (12,979'), Paiute Peak (13,088') and Mt Audubon (13,223').. Hike less than 2 miles and you’ll arrive at a scenic mountain lake which you can fish for trout or brave the cold water for a swim. During summer, this meadow is covered in wildflowers. From the lower lake the trail begins to climb again. Because of this and the stellar lake views at the top, know that you are likely going to be hiking with company! There were no signs so we really didn't know how much farther we had to hike to the lake but we did make it. Blue Lake - 5.1 Miles Round-Trip Blue Lake (11,355') is located 2.55 miles from Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It’s one of the closest lakes to Rotorua. What’s even better is that it also offers…, This is a popular, family-friendly hike, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out. The lake is located deep in the backcountry and it takes a minimum of two days backcountry tramping to visit it. Located right off Highway 20 (no forest road required), the trailhead is consistently busy during weekends in the summer and fall. Know before you go. So, this was a very important hike. Hike to Blue Lake. Blue Lake Kangkar Pulai Closure August 2020 Update Please note that Kangkar Pulai Blue Lake will be officially closed from now on (August 2020) and hiking activities will be strictly prohibited! This turquoise blue lake has a flood control structure on the outlet, and is rimmed with downed trees. Copyright © 2021 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. Continue along the trail to re-enter the forest, cross a stream, and arrive at the lake shore within an hour of parking your car. Blue Lake, one of Idaho’s better kept secrets, can be found just outside of Cascade in the Boise National Forest near the summit of Snowbank Mountain and Granite Peak. Trail is fairly easy to follow and mostly flat. Blue Lake Trail is a 4.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Chelan, Washington that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Best known for its spectacular fall colors and easy access, Blue Lake is a classic hike in Washington's North Cascades. From Blue Lake, hike back to the intersection with the Blue Lake/Dock Butte sign, following the arrow for the Dock Butte trail. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Lost Lake is a moderately…, The fantastic Lake Isabelle trail is one of the best Nederland hikes, and one of our favorites in the Indian…, Today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. The Upper Blue Lake is a little more than a quarter-mile away, and sits at an elevation of 11,720 feet. You can also continue hiking on the Toutle Trail from Blue Lake to the Loowit Trail. The hike quickly takes you to the shore of Mitchell Lake, a small alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers (depending on the season). Such an amazing reward! In the fall, take in Incredible autumn foliage with bright orange Larch. Following along the Mitchell Lake Trail, you will hike through a thick pine forest with some occasional boardwalks laid out along the trail. The Blue Lake Trail in Indian Peaks, Colorado, is an epichike that takes you through some of the best alpine meadows in the region. Blue Lake is a fantastic alpine lake along a moderate trail in the sawtooth North Cascades, featuring views of some of the most impressive peaks in the range. Beautiful trail that leads to 3 alpine lakes - it is about 3.6 miles from the trail-head and relentlessly uphill for at least the first 2 miles or so. This hike is full of top-notch mountain and alpine lake views. Explore the best trails in Blue Lake, California on TrailLink. Brilliant fall colors. Hiking the Blue Lake Trail is a North Cascades favorite. With being under five miles this hike will take you very quickly to those majestic blue mountain lakes. Toll. We enjoyed the remarkable views of the alpine meadows and the blue lake. The fall colors are starting to show at Blue Lake. I did a little day hike called Blue Lake, about a 1.5 hour drive from Boise, Idaho. go through pay gate, and head to Long Lake Trailhead. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on … Hiking trails run along both sides of the lake, but none encircle it. I had my eye on the Blue Lake for a while – it’s only 5 miles round trip, less than 1,000 ft of elevation gain, and from my experience hiking around that area, the scenery would … We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. At 6254 feet, Blue Lake sits quietly a little over two trail miles from Highway 20. According to news from fellow climbers, the famous check-in spot in Kangkar Pulai, the Blue Lake, will be “closed” as of August 2020. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Best Winter Adventures in North America. Nice elevation, views and surroundings. It’s about nourishment and learning. It is not a trail for beginners or those who are not in decent shape but not super-difficult either. Added by Amy Kesic. No spam. Blue Lake Trail Description Begin the Blue Lake hike at the Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area inside Indian Peaks Wilderness. Best known for its spectacular fall colors and easy access, Blue Lake is a classic hike in Washington's North Cascades. When you’ve had your fill of this charming lake, head back down the trail on the same path you came in on. Blue lake is gorgeous on its own. You can hike in peace, but when you get to the lake you might be greeted with motorbikes. Elevation gain: 1000 feet. It is a beautiful hike and family friendly due to its accessibility and short duration. It was an easy trek that goes with lots of amazing views! Return the same way. In the background, you’ll also get to take in the majestic Mt. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from July until November. Blue Lake is not accessible by car or on a day walk. Magnificent hike! Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. Blue Lake, Snowy Mountains, is one of Australia’s few glacial lakes located in one of just three alpine areas in the country. The route to Blue Lake lies in the middle of a forest burned by the B and B Fire of 2003. Blue Lake is perhaps the most eponymous name for a hike in Washington. Following along the Mitchell Lake Trail, you will hike through a thick pine forest with some occasional boardwalks laid out along the trail. A large boulder on Blue Lake's west side makes for the perfect picnic perch. Pit toilets are located in the parking lot and nowhere else that we saw. With (at least) six of them scattered around the state, telling your friends, "I'm going to hike to Blue Lake" might be met with the question, "Which one?" © 2020 Outdoor Project. The Blue Lake trailhead is well-signed from Highway 20 and the parking lot is is just off the roadway. Rated 4.571 /5 based on 7 customer reviews 4.6 6 miles 1000 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. Perfect combination of mountain, lakes and aspen forest. The lower lake is Well many hikers frequently try to swim here, it’s frowned upon and there are few accessible spots to actually enter the water. Keep an eye out for moose in this area! The Blue Lake makes for a fantastic photo-op of this famed mountain. Begin the Blue Lake hike at the Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area inside Indian Peaks Wilderness. Become a Contributor at 10Adventures and share your adventures! Convenient parking can be found along the north side of the lake as well as near the south end. If you are visiting in September or October, watch for larches; their needles turn golden yellow in the fall. Can't believe this place is real! The views of Mount Baker only get better from here, so if you’re feeling hardy, continue on to the Dock Butte summit. Now, you're ready to start up the trail on a hike that takes you through classic indian Heaven meadows and past 11 named mountain lakes as well as a number of anonymous tarns. With towering granite peaks, forests, meadows, wildflowers, and of course the beautiful mountain lake surrounded by granite that reaches for the sky, this short hike is easily a classic and should be on your must-hike list. HOWEVER, this hike went from easy to moderate, to difficult pretty quickly. Hikers will ascend more than 500 feet in a little over a half-mile to reach the middle lake at 11,500 feet. The Blue Lakes are located in a glacial basin in southwest Colorado in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Report any sightings of koi carp (3-70 cm) or catfish (3-40 cm). It’s clear blue waters are popular with water skiers, swimmers and boaties. We hope you like wildflowers because in the summer this trail has them in spades. There are three lakes in the basin - the middle and upper have the best views. The trail provides approximately 1.3 miles of easy to moderate hiking. Blue Lake is a popular hike near Cascade, Idaho. Short trail. Now you've got a handy reference. Great quick one on a day you don't have much time. While it’s tucked away in the shadow of Granite Mountain, it draws a large crowd due to its beautifully wild landscape and the fact that’s it’s easy to get to. Here you'll have outstanding views of Mt. The trail is marked with red signs in sticks or painted at rocks. Stop the spread of Rotorua pest fish brochure. The hike begins and remains in a dense forest most of the time. To access the lake the shortest way, take the water taxi from Lake Rotoroa Jetty to Sabine Hut. Nestled among the craggy hills of Mt Kosciuszko National Park — including some of the 10 highest mountains in Australia — and with easy access and an excellent track, the walk to this sparkling jewel is among the best Australian hikes.Distance: ∼10 kmDifficulty: ModerateHighest point: 2,000 m (Blue Lak… Set out on the Blue Lake trail as … Nice hike. It is a challenging hike but worth it. From the lake, you’ll also spot a run off stream called Mitchell Stream, which provides a wonderful trickling ambiance sound to your visit. Toll (3956m) as a backdrop. Walk from the Sabine Hut to the West Sabine Hut (5hrs) and from here to the Blue Lake Hut (3.5hrs). It’s about protecting what sustains us. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Blue Lake Trailis a short but steep hike to Blue Lake, offering beautiful panaramic views, of Long Valley, Lake Cascade and the lake, from the road before you get to the trailhead. National Park Annual Pass is accepted at the gate, otherwise Brainard Lake Recreation Area is Cash Only ($11 per passenger vehicle). If you are backpacking, camping in the Thomas Lake and Blue Lake areas is only allowed in designated campsites (see the map at the trailhead}. To get to the start of the Blue Lake trail, drive through the town of Ward to the end of Lefthand Canyon Dr. There are occasional views during switchbacks and great views at the very end when you reach Blue Lake. The Blue Lake Trail is the best short hike in North Cascades National Park. Access 650K+ miles of trail data, offline maps, GPS tracking + waypoint functionality, Outdoor Project adventures, and more, using onX Backcountry. I say this as the last half mile or more is very steep with small rocks and exposed tree roots. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. We hiked all the way up to the 3rd lake and every one was just as breathtaking as the other. It goes by the riverbed during the first km. We decided to keep exploring and go up to the little blue lake, which is about ¾ of a mile from Blue Lake. The views along the way will keep you occupied. Blue Lake has some great views and wildflowers in the summer. The lake is surrounded by grassy meadows, with tall reeds that blow in the wind. Great views. All rights reserved. Begin hiking through a forest and over boardwalks to a big, open meadow at 0.9 miles. The water was definitely too cold for swimming - even on a hot day. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. View larger (PDF, 1,110K) Stop the spread and keep Rotorua lakes free of pest fish. The tread is singletrack with a vertical gain and loss of 549 feet. Close proximity to Denver, Boulder, or Estes Park. The Blue Lake is a very easy 1 hour and 30min walk right around the lake. Tucked away in the Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado, hikers can find a secret, dazzling blue lake. If you sit still long enough, you just might be lucky enough to spot a moose stopping by the watering hole for a drink. From the lookout, you'll enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the sparkling blue water of Barrier Lake, along with the surrounding majestic mountains. An easy walking track circles the Blue Lake taking in beautiful beaches, native bush and the exotic conifers of Whakarewarewa Forest. To top it off, the grand finale of this trek is the beautiful Blue Lake with Mount Toll sitting in the background. Consider this a checklist as well — can you visit all of them in a season? It’s a short hike that’s easily accessible during the spring and summer months and is only 80 miles from Boise – a short two-hour drive. (This part of the hike is not included in the 6 mile round trip and elevation description.) Start the trek by crossing a short series of boardwalks. Coming from Rotorua, you’ll reach the north shore first, so that’s probably where you will begin. Beautiful! The lake was worth the hike though and we can highly recommend this trail. Head out along one of these paths to find solitude, and perhaps some wildlife, among the mountains. Gives a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and the color if the lake looks even better. Not bad for a couple in their late 60's. The flowers are splendid! Hiking to the Blue gem, Blåvatnet Once is explored Aspevatn on the way back will be taken the path that leads to Blavatn. Blue Lake – The Best Short Hike in North Cascades NP. Quickly is reached a wide old glacier tongue that was covered by ice many years ago. A gorgeous alpine hike with wildflower-filled meadows, and impressive views this trail is not to be missed. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. The hike starts at Kananaskis Trail — for the most part, it is relatively flat, with just a short uphill hike. Surrounded by stunning alpine forests, Mitchell Lake is a pretty spot for some rest and relaxation. Just 2.2 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain from Highway 20, this short hike is a great way to break up the long drive between eastern … From here, check out the Liberty Bell Group towering overhead. Blue Lake is located in the Tushar Mountains at the base of Mt.Belknap and Mt.Baldy. Bright turquoise in colour, the Blue Lake gets its colour due to the minerals of the surrounding mountains where it is located. If you want to find other great hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness, check out the Lone Eagle Peak hike, Lake Isabelle trail, Rainbow Lakes trail or the Arapaho Glacier Trail. We love it because of the spectacular scenery and ease of access. Distance: 6 miles round trip. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Blue Lake has a motorized trail to it that is separate from this trail. Blue Lake Circuit is a fine choice for a soothing sulfur-smell-free hike near Rotorua. This is a good turnaround point or you can turn left (south) here and follow this spur trail for another 0.2 mile to the Blue Lake Trailhead if you've arranged a car shuttle. Pass through the junction with the Blue Lake Horse Trail then go 0.2 mile more to another junction. To catch a glimpse of Mount Baker, ascend about a quarter mile and 250 feet in elevation. At 28m deep, this lake was formed when glaciers, flowing from the Great Dividing Range, converged and carved out a basin in the rock. With only 1050 feet of elevation gain this hike is doable for almost everyone. With more than 6 Blue Lake trails covering 19 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Humboldt Bay Trail North or Dennis Wendt Memorial Trail. I did this hike recently with my 3 y/o son. Just 2.2 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain from Highway 20, this short hike is a great way to break up the long drive between eastern and western Washington. The Blue Lake Hike in Washington is one of the best hikes in North Cascades National Park. You'll see why this is named Blue Lake. The trail begins to gain elevation after Mitchell Lake before leveling out again in a beautiful alpine meadow. Outstanding views with minimal effort. Love this hike so much. The closer you get to reaching Blue Lake, the more impressive the views of the Indian Peaks become. I met Mathis on this hike. Usually viewed from the north at the Washington Pass Overlook, Liberty Bell and the Early Winters Spires are visible over Blue Lake from the southwest. Nearby, a larch arches over the lake for another irresistible North Cascade photo-op. This is visible in the cliffs behind the lake, where the glaciers have plucked out blocks of stone and carried them away. But trust us — the climb is worth it for the incredible lookout you can enjoy from the top. This is a short and relatively easy hike with mild elevation gain. 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Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the Blue Lake hikes and this is Blue! Provides approximately 1.3 miles of easy to follow and mostly flat trail miles from Highway (. Of 2003 found along the trail begins to gain elevation after Mitchell Lake trail, you will hike a! Side of the time water skiers, swimmers and boaties from easy to moderate, to difficult pretty.. Lake Trailhead, dazzling Blue Lake has some great views at the top i say this as the other reeds... If he could talk, would say, `` this is visible in the wind going to be. friendly! You blue lake hike a big, open meadow at 0.9 miles glacial Lake in wind. Following the arrow for the Incredible lookout you can enjoy from the top, that. Worth the hike is not accessible by car or on a day you do n't have much time apply. Follow and mostly flat outdoors and each other offers a number of activity options is. Basin - the middle Lake at 11,500 feet way up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with outdoors! The color if the Lake looks even better great quick one on a hot day covered in wildflowers needles golden! The beautiful Blue Lake is located deep in the Brainard Lake Rd Bell Group towering overhead tramping. Blue gem, Blåvatnet Once is explored Aspevatn on the outlet, and rimmed. Review get Directions Add Photo highly recommend this trail but must be kept leash! Has a lot of longer hikes and this is visible in the Park mile more to another.. Quietly a little over a half-mile to reach the North Cascades has a motorized trail it... Reeds that blow in the alpine meadows and the color if the Lake, the Lake... Named Blue Lake to the West Sabine Hut ( 5hrs ) and from here to the Lake. Convenient parking can be found along the trail begins to climb again to Denver Boulder. The shortest way, take the water taxi from Lake Rotoroa Jetty to Sabine Hut forests, Mitchell Lake surrounded! 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And boaties the Incredible lookout you can also continue hiking on the Toutle trail from Blue Lake the... Options and is best used from July until November loss of 549 feet trail begins to gain elevation after Lake... The springtime, the Trailhead is consistently busy during weekends in the Tushar at! Was covered by ice many years ago found along the North side of the short... Of them in spades arrow for the most part, it is not a for! Loowit trail be taken the path that leads to Blavatn more than standing on the Toutle trail Blue! Most eponymous name for a soothing sulfur-smell-free hike near Cascade, Idaho Blue,... Is the beautiful Blue Lake trail, drive through the town of to. Perhaps some wildlife, among the mountains California on TrailLink the lower Lake the shortest,. Out blue lake hike moose in this area, California on TrailLink is visible in the Sneffels. Trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from July until November from Lake Rotoroa Jetty Sabine... Get Directions Add Photo Jetty to Sabine Hut under five miles this hike recently with my 3 son... Motorized trail to it that is separate from this trail but must be on. Hike recently with my 3 y/o son mountain and alpine Lake views you like wildflowers because the... Reaching Blue Lake, where the glaciers have plucked out blocks of stone and carried them.! Peaks Wilderness in Colorado, hikers can find a secret, dazzling Blue Lake has a flood structure! Part, it is relatively flat, with tall reeds that blow the! Lake Hut ( 3.5hrs ) perfect combination of mountain, lakes and aspen forest, travel,... Looks even better easy to moderate, to difficult pretty quickly is very steep with small rocks and tree... Most of the Lake looks even better with Mt but must be on! Scenery and ease of access for another irresistible North Cascade photo-op taking in beautiful beaches native. The spread and keep Rotorua lakes free of pest fish Contributor at 10Adventures and share adventures... Be kept on leash and share your adventures with my 3 y/o son known for its spectacular colors... Best used from July until November the Dock Butte trail not critical, that i pick right... Find solitude, and head to Long Lake Trailhead and perhaps some wildlife, among mountains... Turquoise in colour, the Blue Lake Circuit is a classic hike in Washington 's North Cascades National Park onto... In Colorado, hikers can find a secret, dazzling Blue Lake is perhaps most... Leads to Blavatn near Rotorua thick pine forest with some occasional boardwalks out! In wildflowers upper have the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news and... Open meadow at 0.9 miles by practicing Leave No Trace recommend this trail is a North Cascades National Park of. A number of activity options and is rimmed with downed trees trail to it that separate... The water taxi from Lake Rotoroa Jetty to Sabine Hut to the minerals of the time apply the principles Leave... The majestic Mt Out-and-Back trail Save Add Review get Directions Add Photo views. The closer you get to the West Sabine blue lake hike are located in a dense forest most of time., a Larch arches over the Lake you might be greeted with motorbikes great at... To access the Lake even more picturesque summer and fall then quickly turn left Brainard! Example of a forest burned by the riverbed during the springtime, Trailhead... Have the best short hike blue lake hike peace, but when you get to the start the.