Gifford Pinchot National Forest Blue Lake Hike Hike 21
Length: 5 Miles round trip Elevation Change: 1700' Elevation gain Season: Summer thru Fall Difficulty: Challenging Permit: NW Forest Pass Required Features:
This hike begins off Forest Road #171 which
is off Forest Road #23. The trail begins an
immediate and very steep climb. The trail
is so steep in places that steps have been
installed to make the climb possible.
The hike begins and remains in a dense
forest most of the time. There are occasional
views during switchbacks and great views
at the very end when you reach Blue Lake.
Blue Lake has a motorized trail to it that
is separate from this trail. You can hike
in peace, but when you get to the lake you
might be greeted with motorbikes.
This hike is very steep, but not all that
long. Much of the hike follows the stream
that comes out of Blue Lake. This offers
fine scenery with small falls and cascades.
Wildflowers are abundant in season.
Just before you reach the lake, you will
cross a bridge over the stream you have been
following only to cross it again at the lake.
When you arrive at the lake there are only a
couple of places where you can easily reach
the water. They are obvious and offer
excellent views.
A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
