Jill Irwin
Hike to a postcard-perfect alpine lake
For several months each year when the snow is clear in the high country of Washington's Cascade Mountains, get a real workout hiking to beautiful Blanca Lake. If you're in decent physical condition, the 7.5-mile hike up over 3,300 feet in elevation gain is worth ever drop of sweat and then some.
The trailhead is 15 miles north of Highway 2 near Skykomish, about 2 hours drive from Seattle. (Web search the Washington Trail Association's website for directions.) Come prepared for the season with extra clothes, food, and water and sturdy trail shoes. Be prepared to awed by this spectacular,
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