Blue Lake Trail
(Milepost 161)

Turn right at the National Forest trailhead sign. Blue Lake Trail winds through subalpine habitat of Pacific Silver Fir, Mountain Hemlock, Douglas-fir, and scattered Western Larch. This four and one half mile round trip leads to another typical alpine lake complete with all the beautiful mountain adjectives that define most of this area of the North Cascades. SR 20 does most of the climbing so you can spend more time birding.

This is a good area for Three-toed Woodpeckers, a hard to find species elsewhere. Look for them at the beginning of the trail where Pacific Silver Fir shades the way. In summer warblers are plentiful and Clark's Nutcrackers, Gray Jays, and Ravens are present. At the lake search for Townsend's Solitaires, Mountain Bluebirds, Red-breasted and Red-naped Sapsuckers, Pine Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills.

Contents | Code of Ethics