Blanca Lake
High up in the Cascades is Blanca Lake, a glacier fed lake known for its turquoise green color. Accessible only by foot, this lake is a very popular stop for hikers, particularly from June to October, when the snow pack is melted.
The Hike
While not an incredibly difficult hike, this route is notable for it’s incline. The trail climbs nearly 3000 feet from the parking lot in just 3 miles. Once at the top of the ridge, you’ll come to Virgin Lake and immediately begin climbing down 600 feet to Blanca Lake below.
Blanca Lake
Blanca Lake is known for its unique color and is known as a “rock flour” lake. Rock flour is what gives it the turquoise green color. Fed by the Columbia Glacier’s silt-filled, nearly freezing water, this effect is best seen in the spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak.
Wildlife
While the Cascades are home to many big animals, from Elk to Black Bears, they aren’t always easy to find. There are tons of smaller ones though, you just have to keep an eye out.
