Blue Lake High

Blue Lake High Route climbs a steep, cairn-marked path to a high pass on the crest between the North Fork Skykomish valley and the Sauk River drainage. From the notch, Johnson Mountain fills the view to the north and Blue Lake sits in a rocky basin below, sometimes still frozen well into summer. The descent from the pass to the lake can hold a steep snow slope through early July, making ice axe and experience on snow a requirement for early-season attempts.

The route connects to the Pilot Ridge Trail at the lake outlet, forming the backbone of the White Pass to Pilot Ridge loop, a multi-day backpacking circuit that includes a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. Trip reports consistently describe the non-PCT portions as steeper and rougher than the PCT itself. Blowdowns are a recurring issue on Pilot Ridge, though recent volunteer work has improved conditions.

Blue Lake makes a good basecamp with established campsites and a pit toilet. The surrounding terrain is alpine and wild, with few other parties even on holiday weekends. Access starts from the North Fork Skykomish trailhead, and the road in requires attention but is passable in a passenger car.