My 3rd to Blanca Lake. At the top of the trail, Glacier Peak can been seen to the south. Temperature was much lower here due to the snow. The normally mosquito infested little pond, Virgin Lake, was still covered with half melted snow. A bit red hue. With snow covering the top, and foot prints going to all directions, it took a group effort to find the right way: need to walk north of the lake. Just 3 days previously, the surface was still half covered with snow. Now all melted except a little bit along the edge. Still utterly beautiful. A distinct powdery emerald color.7 miles R/T, 2700 ft gain in the first 3 miles, 500 ft drop to lake. We had an early start: arrived at the trail head ~ 9:30am, chilly, however the snow consumed at least an hour. Back at trail head ~4:30pm. 74°F. Back in the city ~7pm, 83°F.
US 2, ~ milepost 50 (east of Skykomish). North on Beckler Road #65 for 15 miles. Right on FS Road #63 for 1.8 miles.
See earlier posts on this trail: 2006/7/16, 2005/7/3.
