Dock Butte, Blue Lake — Monday, Sep. 3, 2012

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

I was late getting out today so I headed to a closer trail for my hike #35 which was Dock Butte and Blue Lake Trails. These two trails start at the same trailhead called Blue Lake at 3900 feet. You can get to them by taking Highway 20 which is The North Cascades Highway of Washington and turning north on Baker Lake Road. Drive 14 miles and turn left on Forest Road 12 heading west for about 7 miles veering left on Forest Road 1230 at the Blue Lake Trail Sign heading up hill to the end of the road where the trailhead begins. Use Green Trails Map "Hamilton 45" to see this trail. Dock Butte Trail is 1.5 miles to the top with a gain of about 1310 feet up to 5210 feet. Blue Lake Trail is .5 mile from the trailhead with minimal drop in elevation at 3500 feet. You will see the "Y" in the trail heading left to get to Blue Lake or straight ahead to Dock Butte. Blue Lake has some good size fish in the lake. It was so clear you could see them. If going to the lake take the trail to the left once you start to see the lake and walk to the far side where there are several clumps of trees next to the lake with big boulders around. This is the best area to fish and the depth just off these rocks is upwards of 20 feet and you can see the bottom its that clear. Keep young kids who can't swim close. Dock Butte Trail has numerous ups and downs until you get to the base where its up hill. There is a small scramble near the top so be careful of the loose rock. The views from the top are spectacular but let me give you a tip. If the weather reports calls for morning clouds and afternoon sun then wait to hike this trail until afternoon so you have a better chance of seeing Mount Baker without clouds around it. If you hike early morning there is a good chance of clouds and fog coming up from Baker and Shannon Lake which will hide your views. Dock Butte Trail is in the trees for about 3/4 of the trail then up hill in the sun to the top. Blue Lake Trail is in the trees for most of the hike. I saw some pretty big fish in the lake and there is some nice places to camp. Both of these trails are short so you can start later in the day and still make it out with plenty of day light if your hiking a day hike. These are good family hikes especially Blue Lake. Be careful with younger kids on Dock Butte and keep them at arms width when making your final accent to the top. Warning: Bear Hunting Season is August 1 until December 15 and there are lots of hunters in this area off trail so wear bright clothes and make yourself known. You will likely hear guns shots in the distance. Checkout the videos of this hike or checkout over 215 videos of other hikes I have done in Washington State on my youtube channel at "lmm3181" or click on these direct links to this hike. http://youtu.be/BcBykK0FD0g http://youtu.be/gozQZ-aMu9I As always get out and see this beautiful state and enjoy your hiking! Take Care Mike