Are you an experienced adventurer who’s up for a challenge this summer, especially if it leads to a beautiful reward? Head to the Central Cascades and find the Blanca Lake Trail — it may not be an easy hike, but it’s worth making the effort.
The 7-mile Blanca Lake Trail starts out in cool second growth forest with massive trees surrounding it.
Marcus Bolam / alltrails.com
The trail gets right down to business, so to speak, and you’ll climb almost 3,000 feet in a little under 3 miles.
Ryan Desimone / alltrails.com Needless to say, you should wait until you’re an experienced hiker before you attempt this trail.
But eventually, you’ll come to the most gorgeous turquoise lake you’ve ever seen.
Robert Gasper / alltrails.com You’ll know you’ve reached the top of the trail when you reach Virgin Lake, which then descends to the southern shore of the gorgeous Blanca Lake below.
This lake is so pristine, it doesn’t even look real.
Eduard Dudler / alltrails.com The lake is fed by the Columbia Glacier, which gives it the bright blue hue. It’s surrounded by the peaks of Monte Cristo, Kyes, and Columbia.
Many a hiker has been known to gasp out loud at the sight of the lake, and we can’t say we blame them.
Jenna Shellman / alltrails.com It’s an even more spectacular sight in person.
This is an out-and-back trail, so the second half is a nice downhill hike…
Shirley Suvagau / alltrails.com
…and that’s a good thing because you’ll want to spend as much time as you can admiring the gorgeous lake.
Shirley Suvagau / alltrails.com
If you enjoy hikes that lead to beautiful destinations (and who doesn’t?), check out our list of easy Washington waterfall trails.
Marcus Bolam / alltrails.com
Ryan Desimone / alltrails.com
Needless to say, you should wait until you’re an experienced hiker before you attempt this trail.
Robert Gasper / alltrails.com
You’ll know you’ve reached the top of the trail when you reach Virgin Lake, which then descends to the southern shore of the gorgeous Blanca Lake below.
Eduard Dudler / alltrails.com
The lake is fed by the Columbia Glacier, which gives it the bright blue hue. It’s surrounded by the peaks of Monte Cristo, Kyes, and Columbia.
Jenna Shellman / alltrails.com
It’s an even more spectacular sight in person.
Shirley Suvagau / alltrails.com
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