We had hiked to Dock Butte a few weeks ago on a "partly sunny" day that ended with heavy rain. Even then it was apparent that this trail offers amazing rewards, and we vowed to return on a good, clear day. Last Sunday was just that, so back we went. With regard to finding the trailhead, after leaving Baker Lake Road, keep following signs to "Blue Lake." When you are getting fairly near the trailhead, perhaps a mile or so before it, there is an unmarked fork in the road -- be sure to keep to the right and soon you will reach the trailhead at the end of the road. Dock Butte offers fabulous 360-degree views, making it one of the best and most easily-reached vantage points in the North Cascades, in my opinion. As you approach the Butte, there is a fork in the trail; you can bear right and use the gradual switchbacks to get to the top, or head straight up the ridge to the top. This time I decided to go right up the ridge, and didn't have any problem (I had brought poles, which were a definite help.). The view of Mt. Baker in particular was superb, but Baker was just the cherry on top of the cake! There were lots of blueberries along the trail, which compensated for the numerous bugs (they were worst at the top, unfortunately, so after spending a few minutes drinking in the views at the very top, we descended a short ways and found a shady area where we ate lunch). On the descent, a quarter of a mile before reaching the trailhead we saw the turn-off to Blue Lake, and hiked the half-mile to reach it. It's a very beautiful lake, more green than blue, but very clean and after a sweaty hike, quite irresistible. We enjoyed a delightful swim in the chilly (but not frigid) waters, before returning refreshed to the trailhead. (The rangers were writing out warnings for those who did not have the required National Pass, so be sure to have either the National Senior Pass or a Day Pass on your dashboard or hanging from your rearview mirror. The WA State Parks Pass is not valid here -- you must have a National Pass.)

Hoped to see tail end of Perseid Meteor Shower from a high, dark place, so decided to camp at the stone bench just before reaching Dock Butte. It was a great place to pitch a tent, and the views were beautiful, but we were really too late for the Perseids. The trail is in good shape, though a bit rooty in places. Despite recent rains, the trail was mostly dry, and thankfully not dusty. No snow to speak of, but the bugs (especially mosquitos) were plentiful and persistent, all night long. Be prepared with netting and you'll do just fine. There were still some wildflowers blooming: valerian, lupine, fireweed, pearly everlasting, and some others, but come here on a clear day and you're here for the views. About six parties hiked here (or to Blue Lake) on Tuesday (per the register), but we were the only overnighters. The stars were amazing!

I promised myself that I would return to Dock Butte on a clear day, and I achieved that goal on a picture perfect day. Views extended all the way to Mt. Rainier and you can see all of Baker Lake. The views are great in all directions. I would like to see the views to the east late in the afternoon because the backlighting from the morning sun hides details. The hiking guide says the hike is 3.0 miles and easy, but my GPS registered 4.2 miles RT with an elevation gain of 1,500'. I have some hiking buddies who would call those numbers "Moderate." The trail is clear and good. Snow patches linger above 4,500', but you can do the entire hike without stepping on snow. I met 11 hikers on the trail, all of whom were day hikers. There were many cars coming up the road when I was driving down, so I believe Dock Butte had quite a few more visitors today. No berries or flowers, but the views make the trip worth every step.

Although Dock Butte and Blue Lake make for a shorter hike (maybe 5 miles total) it is so worth it. The views of Mt. Baker, Shuksan, Twin Sisters Range, Baker Lake, and on and on are outstanding for this effort. The road has just been worked on and is in excellent shape for an approach road and that is good because it was about 10 miles of gravel. No snow yet but I got a feeling the window on this hike is going to close soon. Both the road and the trail showed signs of very cold nights up there with much frost in some places although Blue Lake had no ice yet. I've noticed from the last two outings into the mountains that the number of hikers has dropped off dramatically. Only saw 4 others on the trail today, a Saturday.

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