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Blue Lake Trail #314
Map and profile
Click for large version
This hike offers beautiful views of Cutthroat Peak, Early Winters Spires, and Liberty Bell Mountain. The lake is a deep turquoise blue with a backdrop of towering rock walls. This is a classic fall color hike in late September - early October when the hills are painted red and gold.
After leaving the parking lot the trail parallels the road for a short distance then begins to climb up hill in big timber. The trail branches at about 1.5 miles, the left trail leads to climbing routes up Liberty Bell Mountain. Hikers should stay on the main trail. The trail varies from heavy timber to scattered larch near the lake.
Print a description of trail with elevation profile and sketch map.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Current trail conditions information. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Fees: | Recreation Pass required. $5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead. |
| Open Season: | Late July |
| Best Season: | August-September |
| Busiest Season: | Late July-August |
| Restrictions: | No motorized or mechanized use or pack and saddle stock. No overnight camping within 1/4 mile of the lake. |
| Closest Towns: | Winthrop, WA |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Vault toilet |
| Passes: | Recreation Pass required. $5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Methow Valley Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Winthrop, Washington drive west for about 30 miles on Highway 20. Watch for Blue Lake Trailhead on the left side of the highway (about 0.25 beyond Washington Pass Overlook road).
Accessibility:
Activities
Rock Climbing
Recreation areas with activity Rock Climbing:Liberty Bell Mountain and Early Winters Spires are very popular rock climbing areas
Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:Lake fishing at Blue Lake. Washington State fishing license is required and all state game laws apply.
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:The trail branches at about 1.5 miles. Left trail leads to climbing routes up Liberty Bell Mountain. Hikers should stay on the main trail.
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:Overnight camping at the lake is prohibited. See additional information under Day Hiking.
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:Mountain goats are often seen near the lake.
Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:This is a classic fall color hike in late September - early October when the hills are painted red and gold.
Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:This hike offers beautiful views of Cutthroat Peak, Early Winter Spires, and Liberty Bell Mountain. The lake is a deep turquoise blue with a backdrop of towering rock walls.
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | interpretive information |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | yes |
| Fee charged for some activities: | Day use self-pay station |
| Parking: | yes |
| Toilets: | vault toilet |
Quick Links
Location
