Photo Journal Skagit and Beyond

    Click on a photo to enlarge Nestled high in the North Cascades at 6,254 feet, Blue Lake is a true hidden gem that should be on every hiker's bucket list. A moderate hike from Highway 20, this pristine mountain lake offers jaw-dropping scenery with towering granite peaks, lush meadows, and sparkling blue waters. While beautiful year-round, Blue Lake is an especially magical destination in the fall when the alpine larches turn a brilliant golden hue. These deciduous conifers create a striking contrast against the rugged grey peaks and deep blue lake. It's a sight that has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. The hike itself is a moderate 4.6 miles out-and-back with around 1,050 feet of elevation gain, making it accessible for most ability levels. The well-maintained trail winds through shady forests, across idyllic streams, and into a wildflower-dotted meadow with views of the imposing Early Winters Spire. As you approach the lake, the views open up to reveal Cutthr...

Click on a photo to enlarge. Your adventure begins with a steep ascent along the road from the gate, a challenging start that sets the tone. Shortly after, you take the left fork of the road, climbing alongside a clearcut, and veer onto the first spur left. This path leads you to a small quarry, where the views unfold like a panoramic masterpiece. To the south, the glistening waters of Clear, Mud, and Beaver Lakes shimmer in the sunlight, while the majestic silhouettes of Little and Devil's Mountains stand as sentinels in the distance. It is a breathtaking sight that leaves you in awe.  Here you might encounter turkey vultures flying overhead. Retracing your steps to the original road, you climb once more, passing one spur left and taking the next left turn. This detour unveils a hidden gem – a rocky outcrop adorned with a log bench and a fire pit. From this vantage point, the Skagit River meanders through the landscape, while the distant San Juan Islands beckon with their alluring...