The Blue Lakes High Route ascends a steep, cairn-dotted trail to a high pass with a beautiful view across to Johnson Mountain and down to a sometimes frozen Blue Lake in a rocky basin below. The trail down from this notch to the lake can contain a very steep snow slope in early season. If you think you'll be uncomfortable on it, stick to the Pilot Ridge Trail to access Blue Lakes.
Blue Lake is spectacular, and a wonderful place to camp. There is a good toilet near the campsites. Blue Lake also offers the last reliable source of water before the North Sauk.
To continue onto the Pilot Ridge Trail, take the trail northeast from the lake outlet that descends to the Pilot Ridge Trail junction.
Blue Lake High
48.0448,
-121.2588
Map & Directions
12.24.25: The Mountain Loop Highway is closed at milepost 37.5 (15.5 miles south of Darrington) due to a landslide. This restricts access to FR 49 and this trailhead.
The Blue Lakes High Route ascends a steep, cairn-dotted trail to a high pass with a beautiful view across to Johnson Mountain and down to a sometimes frozen Blue Lake in a rocky basin below.
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Hiking Blue Lake High
Blue Lake High
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
12.24.25: The Mountain Loop Highway is closed at milepost 37.5 (15.5 miles south of Darrington) due to a landslide. This restricts access to FR 49 and this trailhead.
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
Northwest Forest PassWTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
