Blue Lake
North Cascades
As of June 21, 2026, the Blue Lake trail is experiencing significant snow patches, though reports from June 20th and 21st indicate these are mostly small and passable with mud. Be prepared for numerous muddy puddles throughout. Mosquitoes are abundant, so bring insect repellent and wear long sleeves. The trailhead parking lot is open, with a single pit toilet available, but parking can overflow to the highway by mid-morning, so arrive early. Earlier reports from May 22nd and 25th described much deeper snow (up to 80% coverage in late May) making the trail difficult to follow without navigation gear and spikes. By early June, snow cover was estimated at 60%, with rotten snow and undercut areas posing a hazard. Multiple logs were reported across the trail in early June.
generated from 52 reports
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about 10-15 small snow patches to cross. many muddy puddles but not that annoying. a LOT of mosquitoes so wear long sleeves and bring bug spray. otherwise beautiful easy hike.
Intermittant snow on the trail, with some sections you need to be careful stepping through. Lots of mud too. A minor creek crossing to get to the overlook rock at the end.A fair number of people but w...
Reached the trailhead around 7:20am. There were a few cars in the lot and a crew of climbers headed toward (we assumed) Liberty Bell. There's a pit toilet at the trailhead, but it's one stall so be aw...
We perhaps did not chose the best weather day to head for Blue Lake, given thunder storms and rain in the forecast. Nor were we smart enough to begin the hike early enough to avoid those, so we never...
Currently a difficult hike. There’s snow covering probably 80% of the trail and there are no blazes to tell you you’re going the right direction. Only do this hike if you have spikes, poles, and the m...
About 3 feet of snow right from the parking lot, we didn't have gear for everyone so went to Cutthroat Lake instead.
Highway 20 is still open until 6pm this coming Thursday, so you have two days remaining to catch this trip. I am glad I got up there today - catching it on a partly sunny day before the highway close...
Arrived at the trailhead at 9am. The parking here is an issue. This seems to be a very popular spot for backcountry skiers, but there is not enough space on the side of the road plowed to meet demand....
First time going to Blue Lake in the snow. The road was totally fine, parking lot is fully snowed in but a big truck could get in just for fun. The first half was icy and needed micro spikes for sure....
Hiked this trail for the first time with snow as I always do it during larch season. Road conditions were excellent. Bare and wet or a little ice but very well sanded. Only encountered four people and...
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