I've been wanting to do this hike for years but didnt realize the bridge was passable until recently. Headed up FS12, staying left at turnoff for Park Butte/Schreibers Meadows. After about 1 mile, parked at the closed bridge over Rocky Creek. I wasnt up for a 6 mile hike up gravel roads so I rode to the trailhead on my touring bike, with my backpack in a BOB trailer. A bit more of a grind than I had expected (1.5 hours), but well worth it in the end. I didnt see anyone the entire trip and had the place to myself. Nice to see the network of social trails around Blue Lake slowly recovering. Hopefully it will continue to recover with everyone who visits being mindful of impact.
The road up is mostly passable by bike except for a muddy washout at mile 1.5, then a large Doug fir across the trail about .5 miles from the trailhead. Otherwise just slow and steady pedaling up loose gravel.
The hike up to Dock Butte is a really pleasant and moderate hike, with some fun scrambling at the top.If you aren't into scrambling, stay right just below the summit and follow the switchbacks up. Knock your socks of views at the top. Blue Lake is so pristine and refreshing - especially after the Dock Butte hike. There was a bunch of litter in the lake in about 10 ft of water - cans, scraps of PVC, camping debris, etc. Didn't have goggles but heading back to do a cleanup on the next trip. If you beat me there, have at it. Apparently there are some people who don't appreciate the splendor of this place. Blue Lake/Dock Butte are pretty special. Let's try and keep it that way - tread gently and keep it a secret between us. No, really. :-)
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