Blanca Lake

One of the lakes contributing to the beauty of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Also, one of the 100 Classic Hikes of Washington, so say The Mountaineers.

There is only enough parking for 20 cars at the trailhead.

Begin your run in a beautiful a second growth forest that could be mistaken for an old growth due to its sizable trees. The trail is easy to follow but begins switchbacks early on. At first, they are in the trees, and after you break the treeline, you continue your switchbacks on a rocky face with a welcome view of the surrounding mountains.

Before you know it, you'll find yourself on a ridge line that drops to a small lake, more or less desirable to be near, depending on how you feel about little critters and the season. Continue on to begin the descent to Blanca Lake - more primitive trail here than the rest of the run. The gorgeous turquoise Blanca Lake is fed by the glacier in the middle of the framing peaks of Monte Cristo and Keyes.