The North Cascades are home to some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Not to mention some of the best larch hikes in Washington. If epic is what you’re looking for, then the Cascades have you covered. Finding a leisurely hike, on the other hand, is a little more complicated. In general, a lot of effort is required to achieve the expansive views that the North Cascades are famous for.

Blue Lake is a welcome exception to this rule. It’s one of the more challenging trails on this list of easy hikes in Washington. Still, it’s not every day that you can experience a shockingly blue alpine lake set against a dramatic mountain cirque in just under 5 miles round trip. The trailhead for Blue Lake is located directly off the North Cascades highway, making it a great way to break up the long drive over Cascade Pass.

Pro Tip: Before you head home, drive a mile further east on Highway 20, walk a hundred yards or so from the parking area, and check out the Washington Pass Overlook for an absolutely stunning view – and more larches! In fact, this may be one of the few spots where you can witness larches in Washington without leaving your car.

Distance: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 1000 ft. Difficulty: Moderately Easy