The review is for the Blanca Lake trail in the Amazingly Beautiful Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National…read moreForest, which has many beautiful trails to explore, which I'm just getting started on. Lol This one is an adventure in itself just getting to, literally of the beaten path, even with its popularity. You will be in the heart of the Cascades after the drive and hike. The last six miles of road is gravel, so it's a slow but scenic drive, after sone of the breathtaking views of the mountains driving up highway 2, which leads over Stevens Pass, almost there, but not quite. Just like the drive, the trail is a rock and root trail, so with both, don't hurry, enjoy the moments, stop and take in the views, forest, nature, and quietness. This is a highly moderate to hard hike, come prepared... plenty of water ( not a single plastic bottle) lots of water, snacks or lunch to enjoy along the trail, while enjoying the beautiful lake views, and to stayed fueled on the way back. Like many of summer hikes I've experienced, watching people not prepared, exhausted and dehydrated, sad days!! A little prep makes for a enjoyable memorable day, not life threatening... seriously! The first four miles are a fairly long cross cross ascent, once you get to the ridge, more amazing views can be seen, till then, you get peek a boo views of the mountains. Once you get to Virgin Lake, you'll start the descent to Blanca Lake, you can hear the waterfalls from the lake, pretty much down to it. Around the lake there was still good size areas of snow melting in the shaded areas. Great views of Columbia peak and glacier (which feeds into the lake) along with many more amazing peaks to views in this glacier valley. The water color is so beautiful!! Getting its color from the glacier water source. I was grateful for the reviews from fellow yelpers and AllTrails, for the recommendations of taking sandals and clothes to swim in, I wore very light hiking clothes which dry fast, and the shoes are helpful for sharp rocks and slippery logs. Yes, even more grateful after watching many falling over the very slippery logs, painful to watch. The waters was amazing! Not as cold as you would expect coming off the glacier, but it was refreshing after a long hike on a very warm day. So worth bringing extra gear. After enjoying a quick lunch with all the amazing views, it was time for the hike back up, and yes, it's a hike up, remember that when you're going DOWN to the lake, it's going to be uphill all the way past Virgin Lake to the ridge. I recommend hiking poles, even if you don't feel they're necessary for the hike up, they definitely make the descent over rocks and roots easier to negotiate. Definitely a hike not to rush, stop and breathe, enjoy the views. This time up I had a fun encounter with the pair of squirrels, letting myself and a few other hikers that stopped to enjoy the spectacle of the squirrels (as. I had to explain) letting us know to stay away from their tree, with squeaks and hand tapping, pretty sure they had young ones up further in the tree. Just another fun part of the adventure in nature. I definitely recommend starting early as this will be a all day adventure, due to the travel and hiking time. Also note, due to a major washout, you will be parking on the side of the road as the washout adds another mile to the trail, the real parking lot is on the other side of the boulder and rock field. It's also a popular hike, so more than likely, especially on the weekends, there will be more people. After the hike, it's a good things Monroe is not far away for some good food and brews( Which it has many options of) I definitely recommend this one, well worth the hard hike, for the amazing lake and views of so many peaks. Not to mention getting to witness a glacier. Come prepared, please! Happy Hiking! God bless and multiple Cheers!