Blue Lake — Attraction in Okanogan

Wow. What an experience.

Came up here to take in Larch Madness.

Was up here the 8th of October. Got an early arrival so napped in the car until day light. Which I'm happy I did. Was able to park at the trailhead. Where there is a toilet.

Be sure to bring your forest service pass. Or pay $5 a day that can be purchased at the trailhead.

Headed up to the lake at sunrise. By then, the parking lot was full and people had started parking out on the highway. Made our way up. Not too many people.

Got to the lake and it was amazing. The views were breathtaking. The trees, water, the mountains. Was spectacular.

Now. The way down was completely different. It was literally a conga line up the mountain. Hardly any breaks. The trail is narrow and the correct trail etiquette would be giving up hill folks the right away. But we'd never get down if we didn't go first.

Finally made it back down. Legit took longer to come down than the hike up and lunch at the lake. Wanted to use the bathroom before leaving. Waited in line. Took forever. Upon getting my turn. The TP was all gone. There was maybe 11-13 rolls when I arrived that morning. Thank God I have some in my pack.

Got to the car. Way more cars parked in the lot than the lot could hold. Meaning people parking in dirt and non designated parking spots.

Pulled out on the highway... hundreds and hundreds of cars. Almost a solid line of cars from Blue Lake to Maple Pass and Cutthroat and beyond. If you arrive late be prepared to add a few extra miles to your hike on Hwy 20 before getting to the...

Gorgeous hike! One of my favorite in the area. Beautiful views on the way up and down. Break in walking through the woods from time to time, you come out in a pretty little field with wild flowers. Streams and lots of wild life.

And of course, Blue Lake is just absolutely stunning. All the photos posted do not do it any justice. It's also absolutely freezing, lol. You gotta jump in though, it's almost a right of passage. Don't jump in the deep end though! Even in mid summer you can get hypothermia.

Advice: This hike also connects to a climbers hike, so the parking lot gets filled with climbers that sleep in their cars overnight, so the parking is dicey. Go early in the morning. It will still be tough to find parking, but better...

This is one of the most beautiful places in the North Cascades. I have loved showing off this gem to folks coming from near and far to elope. We have enjoyed sunset sessions and getting back to the car under headlamp in order to help folks have the most private and wonderful place to get married.

Do note, it is very popular during weekends and during Larch Madness. If you want to do the hike (or get married) during those times, you should consider off-peak times such as sunrise or sunset to have privacy for your celebration (and to not impede others...