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.

Washington Trails Association

At a Glance

Open Season:	June
Usage:	Heavy
Best Season:	Summer / Fall
Busiest Season:	Summer / Fall
Restrictions:	Wilderness regulations apply Hikers only. Party size is limited to 12 people. Camp in established campsites.
Closest Towns:	Skykomish, Washington
Water:	No water
Restroom:	vault toilet
Passes:	A valid Recreation Pass required at Blanca Lake Trailhead.
Operated By:	US Forest Service
Information Center:	Check current conditions or call Skykomish Ranger District office at 360-677-2414.

General Information

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

General Notes:

Map: Green Trails #143 (Monte Cristo)