Blue Lake Trailhead — Attraction in Okanogan

As someone who is in ok shape but doesn’t hike often, I thought this was a moderate trail (much tougher than I anticipated) but 100% worth it. You won’t have cell service for at least 1.5hr in any direction in this part of the park so please plan ahead, review the trail, pack accordingly.

Trail is about 5 miles all together? The entire 2.4 miles in is uphill, not extremely steep but I needed to take occasional breaks to catch my breath. There were people of all ages and dogs doing the trail when I went (~10am on a Wednesday), many taking breaks too, some running (very impressive, I could never). Passed people every 10-15 mins but it wasn’t uncomfortably crowded. I definitely passed more people on my way down, around 1:30pm. There are lots of tree branches, roots, rocks, BEES!!!! and other obstacles on the way up so be cautious. $5 day fee (parks pass, option to leave cash or scan QR code). Parking was pretty full when I got there, I got lucky with a spot but there were people parked on the hwy shoulder outside the lot.

There are a few breaks about 2/3 up the trail that give great views of neighboring mountains. Then of course the view from the lake once you get up there is absolutely incredible! Definitely carve out time to sit up there on the rocks/down by the lake shore, maybe eat a snack or read a book, or just soak in the sun and views. Remember to leave no trace and pick up any trash you see left behind.

Definitely recommend hiking poles if you have access to them, I wish I brought them. I was going too fast, tripped on a tree root on my way down and hurt myself (ha!). At least it was on...

This is a beautiful hike! Unlike some mountain trails, this trail gives you beautiful views for most of the hike up to blue lake. While some reviews are a bit misleading regarding the types of scenery, "meadows" for example, as there are no meadows, it's still a very wonderful hike through beautiful timber and one major opening that takes you through blueberries/huckleberries. Once you're closer to the top, views of the Liberty Bell group start appearing, this is you sign that you're almost to the lake. Once at the lake, the views are just stunning! The lake is appropriately named! Also different from other trails up mountains, the hike down isn't as boring as others. As stated earlier, there's plenty of views on the way up, and all those openings now give you a different view on your way back down. The parking lot is big enough that plenty of people can be on trail, still leaving some spots open for new arrivals. I came from out of state, so I don't know the travel times from the major cities to the west and southwest, but I imagine it's not that long, and well worth the trip! I highly recommend the Blue...

Hiked in July 2017, as a family with a 11yo. One of the most memorable experiences from that road trip in Pacific Northwest was the hike to Blue Lake, off North Cascades Highway (US-20). The reward for the quite strenuous (as it seemed to us at the time) ascent was a crystal clear lake on divine blue and green shades. Despite the heatwave in Seattle, this area kept its coolness and, apparently, its snow reserves. We just sat there in awe, listening to the screams of a brave hiker trying to test the waters. You will need proper hiking boots as the trail is muddy and icy even in the summer. We saw a couple of families hiking with toddlers, but I wouldn't recommend it if your kids are new to this activity. Our 11yo found it quite challenging, especially with the high altitudes of the area. More of our photos on Instagram @joyofthemoment.travel...