North Cascades · easy
Blue Lake
4.4 miles round trip
1,050 feet of gain
Jul–Oct best season
easy difficulty
Short, kind, and the water really is that color. The granite spires above are Liberty Bell — climbers on the face make good binocular entertainment.
Official details reviewed 2026-07-21 · Always recheck alerts before travel
Why choose this trail
A shorter alpine-lake day. A steady out-and-back climbs from Highway 20 through forest and meadow to Blue Lake beneath the Liberty Bell group. The main lake is the sensible turnaround for the listed distance.
Landscape & habitat
Granite talus, subalpine fir and cold clear water create habitat for pika, mountain goats and hardy meadow plants. Stay on durable surfaces around the lake to protect the thin soils.
Access, passes & rules
The Highway 20 trailhead is seasonal and generally uses a Northwest Forest Pass. Parking is limited during peak summer weekends.
Conditions & hazards
Snow and ice linger around shaded slopes; goats should never be approached or fed.