Blanca Lake Trail 1052
Quickly enter Wild Sky Wilderness climbing 37 switchbacks and gaining 2,700 feet in three miles to experience beautiful views of surrounding peaks from the ridge. Continue to climb, winding through grassy sub-alpine meadows until you reach the highest point at Virgin Lake, 4,600 feet elevation, on the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness boundary. The trail gets a little rough leaving Virgin Lake and begins a 500-foot steep descent in 0.5 miles to the southern shore of Blanca Lake.
Blanca Lake nestles in a basin surrounded by Monte Cristo, Kyes and Columbia peaks, fed by the Columbia Glacier on the northwest end. The glacier’s chilly, silt-filled melt-water creates the lake’s bright turquoise green color.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Map: Green Trails #143 (Monte Cristo)
Summer
A valid Recreation Pass required at Blanca Lake Trailhead.
No water
Wilderness regulations apply within Wild Sky Wilderness and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness.
- Hikers only.
- Party size is limited to 12 people.
- Camp in established campsites.
Address: 74920 NE Stevens Pass Hwy Skykomish, WA 98288
Phone: (360) 677-2414
Hours: Open Wed-Fri 9 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
Drive US Highway 2 to just west of milepost 50 (located between the town of Skykomish and the Skykomish Ranger Station). Turn north onto Beckler Road #65, toward Beckler River Campground. From US Highway 2 on FS Road #65, drive 15 miles and turn right on FS Road #63. Continue for 1.8 miles and turn left at the junction for the entrance to Blanca Lake Trailhead
Additional Information
Operated By
US Forest Service
