Blue Lake: One of the Best Fall Larch Hikes in Washington

Blue Lake is one of the most popular Washington hikes in the North Cascades. The lake is popular for it’s relatively easy terrain, clear blue waters and the fall larches. Blue lake sits near Liberty Bell and the Winter Spires. They are beautiful, jagged mountain peaks visible from the trail and Blue Lake.

This hike has really become a fall staple for the area! The trail is lined with vibrant fall colors and as hikers approach the lake they are rewarded with pops of golden yellow from larches. The lake is lined with larches and the reflection of these golden trees across the waters makes for a picture perfect fall setting. Although fall is by far the most beautiful time of the year at Blue Lake, there is truly no wrong time to hike here.

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Things to Know About Blue Lake

• Always stay on the designated trail and practice the Leave No Trace Principles. A lot of the trails near the lake will have white rope and signs asking visitors to remain on trail. This is to protect the fragile environment from human traffic so it can remain beautiful for years to come. Staying on the trail of durable surfaces like rocks will allow for the vibrant red colors of fall to remain there year after year. Amazing photos can be taken without killing the surrounding vegetation.

• What are Larches? This trail is extremely popular because of the fall larches surrounding the area, but what exactly is a larch? Larches are conifer trees that look like evergreen trees in the spring and summer. Around the end of September into October, these trees begin to turn a golden yellow before their needles fall off for the winter. They are a magical sight to see and something everyone should experience at least once in their life.

• There is a box just after the vaulted toilet at the beginning of the trail with a trail registrar inside. It is extremely important to stop and fill it out prior to beginning the hike. This information helps forest service know how many people are using the trail on a given day. This information can help determine resources for maintaining the trail and even something as simple as making sure there’s adequate toilet paper in the vaulted toilet.

• Blue Lake is an extremely family friendly hike and doable for even beginner hikers. If you’re newer to hiking or don’t have much experiences with elevation, this hike is a great start. It gains a significant amount of elevation but it extremely gradual and short. The trail is also dog friendly but remember to keep them on leashes and out of the meadows. Always pick up dog poop and never leave dog poop bags sitting on trail, carry them with you.

• Be courteous to your fellow hikers. This trail is extremely popular so expect to see plenty of other hikers on trail and at Blue Lake. Let faster hikers pass by stepping to the side of the trail and always let uphill hikers have the right of way. Because most people will want to snap photos of the beautiful larches and Blue Lake, be aware of your surroundings and try to share the space for others to enjoy. Never sit in a main viewpoint area. This limits who can enjoy it. Try and sit to the sides so others can enjoy it without people in their views too.

• There are bears among other wildlife in the North Cascades. Be prepared to possibly encounter bears, cougars, mountain goats and various ground critters. Never approach, feed or touch wildlife. Know what to do if you encounter large predators and be sure to make noise so your presence is known on trail. Luckily this trail is relatively busy which will help bears know humans are present.

• There is no camping allowed at Blue Lake. Blue Lake trail is just for day hiking so if you wish to backpack in the North Cascades this won’t be the trail for it.

Blue Lake Trailhead Location

The Blue Lake trailhead is located off of Highway 20 about 30 minutes West of Winthrop, WA. For those coming from the Seattle area, it will be a 3 hour give or take drive. The lake sits near the border of the North Cascades National Park, but not within its borders. Diablo Lake is a popular spot for visitors and is less than 40 minutes west of the trailhead.

The trailhead itself is located right off Highway 20 with a small parking lot. The lot has one vaulted toilet and will fill up quickly, especially on weekends or in the fall during larch season. The lot was almost full by 7:30am on a Saturday when I went. If the lot is full, be prepared to wait for something to open or know you may have to walk a ways to the trailhead. Never double park or park where signs state not to park.

Many people will end up parking just outside the parking lot along Highway 20. If you find yourself having to park there, be sure all the tires are over the white line or the car will be illegally parked. Cars that aren’t fully off the highway may be towed. Do not park over vegetation if you can’t fit in the parking lot.

Best Time of Year to Visit Blue Lake

This trail is best hiked from late spring through fall due to heavy snowfall in the North Cascades in the winter. Although the trail is beautiful all year, the most popular time to hike here is actually early to mid October because of the changing larches. Peak larch season can vary every year, so be sure to check sites like Washington Trail Association and AllTrails for up-to-date reviews on fall colors.

The trail may have snow in spring and early summer months depending on the year’s snowfall. If you’re wanting to see the lake with snow-capped peaks surrounding it still, this would be the best time to go. If a dip in an alpine lake if your goal, warm summer months are ideal for enjoying Blue Lake’s water.

Blue Lake Trail Info

Check out this AllTrails guide for more information on the Blue Lake Trail.

Blue Lake trail begins relatively flat with a few well maintain boardwalk sections. It follows Highway 20 before cutting up the hillside towards the lake and beginning the gradual elevation climb. The trail is through a forest so it is well maintained until reaching an open meadow. There the trail has a few short switchbacks through the meadow before returning to the forest. After 1.8 miles there is a small clearing where the climber’s trail junction is. This is where those wanting to summit the Liberty Bell and the Winter Spires will break off from the Blue Lake trail. From here the lake is about another .5 miles.

As you approach the lake, you will notice there are a lot of ropes along the side of the trail and signs asking hikers to remain on trail. Please respect these areas and help protect them by remaining on trail. The meadows and vegetation in mountain terrain is extremely fragile and just a few steps off trail can cause irreparable damage to them.

There are multiple large rock areas as you approach the lake that make for great resting and photo spots. Near the first opening is where there is a junction for the Tarn Loop, which I discuss below and another trail that follows the edge of Blue Lake to the rock field on the other side. There is no trail around the lake so if you wish to explore the rock field on the far side of the lake, do not continue around the lake. Return to the trail and walk back the same side of the lake.

The Tarn Loop Trail

Once you reach Blue Lake, there is a junction to the right for the Tarn Loop, which goes above the lake. Many hikers skip this small loop but it is an absolute must and only adds about half a mile to the hike. The loop takes hikers above the lake with views looking down at it before heading over to a meadow area with a small pond. From the loop there are stunning views of the surrounding North Cascade peaks and in the fall an abundance of larches to enjoy.

What to Bring Hiking

The 10 Essentials

No matter the length or difficulty of a hike, you should always carry a backpack with the 10 essentials. You can learn more about these item in my “The 10 Essentials” guide. This hike is very exposed and mountain terrain weather can change quickly. Be sure to pack extra clothing layers and plenty of snacks.

Bear Spray and Bear Bell

Always carry bear spray in an easy to access location when hiking in bear country. The front chest strap or belt strap of your backpack is the best location. Never put bear spray inside your backpack or it won’t be quickly accessible in an encounter. A bear bell can be a great option if you’re solo hiking or want to make sure you’re making plenty of noise to make your presence known.

Backpack

Every person hiking should always have their own backpack with water, the 10 essentials and food. Never rely on someone else to carry your gear because if there is an emergency, everyone should be individually prepared.

Water and water filter

Always carry enough water for your hike as well as a water filter to resupply at the creek or lake. Plan to have one liter of water per 2 hours of hiking, but because this is a difficult hike, carry at least an extra .5 per two hours. An insulated water bottle is a great choice to keep the water cold. A water bladder is another great option to be able to carry a larger amount of water and easily be able to drink throughout the hike.

Hiking Shoes

Always wear proper shoes when hiking. This means trail runners or hiking boots because they will provide the best traction over rocks and loose terrain. Sandals and tennis shoes are not great footwear for the trail. The trail was free of snow when I went so I did not need waterproof shoes. I chose my trail runners below, but hiking boots are a great option for ankle stability. If you’re hiking in early summer and there is still snow on the trail, a waterproof shoe will be best.

Bug Spray

Hiking to an alpine lake always comes with mosquitoes. Hiking in the fall will reduce how many mosquitoes are at the lake, but there is always a mosquito presence, so go prepared. Carry bug spray for your clothes and skin. If it’s early in the summer season, consider extra clothing layers to keep them off your skin and a bug net for you head. The snowfields, should here be any, are also a breeding ground for them. You can learn more about insect repellents and gear in my guide here.

Hammock

There’s nothing better than laying in a hammock lakeside. I packed my hammock for this hike to enjoy the peaceful alpine lake and relax with the larches. I brought my Eno hammock and straps and I also brought a rumple blanket to keep me warm in the cooler fall air. It made for the perfect afternoon and well worth the extra weight in my pack. Do not place hammocks over vegetation and be mindful of tree damage when putting up straps.

Blue Lake Trail Reminders

• Stick to the trails. Going off trail causes irreparable damage and no photo is worth ruining this beautiful place. If you must leave trail to go to the bathroom, be sure to avoid stepping on vegetation and find a spot with the least impact to the trail. Always bury human waste and pack out toilet paper.

• Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats in the area. They may be across the lake and look like small white dots across the rocks or they could be wandering a meadow nearby. Avoid peeing on vegetation because these guys love eating the salt from it and will consume any plants around.

• Pack plenty of bug spray and layers to keep the bugs off, especially early in the season. Hiking to alpine lakes will always come with bugs. You can coat your gear in permethrin to help keep them at bay or wear a head net. June to July will be the worst for mosquitoes. They will be mostly gone by fall if you want to avoid them.

• This is an extremely popular trail and the parking lot will fill up quickly, especially on the weekends or in the fall. If you can go early or on a weekday, do so. Makes sure you legally park if you cannot fit in the parking lot and never park blocking another car. People will always be leaving so be patient and you can wait for a spot to open up.

I hope this guide helps you feel confident getting to Wing Lake! If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!

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