Blanca Lake 7.5 mi. RT slow hike to mountains, glacier, turquoise lake Nov. 29

The Blanca Lake Trail #1052 gives you snow-glazed mountains, a glacier, and a lake with a turquoise color that seems too startling to be natural.
Columbia Glacier winds steeply down to near the north side of the lake to feed it by twin waterfalls. It’s the glacial silt from that glacier that gives that lake its unique color.
160-acre Blanca Lake is framed by the impressive peaks of Monte Cristo, Columbia, and Keyes.
It’s a good trail that winds up through moss-draped trees on well-designed switchbacks up to a ridge (about 3,000 feet in about 3 miles) then drops you about 500 feet to the lake.
It’ll take some effort to get there, but it’s well worth it. We’ll take it slow, and the moss-draped trees lining the trail make the journey pleasant while anticipating the spectacular payoff. When I hiked there a few years ago, I was so impressed with the beauty that I knew I’d be back every few years.
It’s 7.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3300 ft. The highest point is 4600 ft., which is low enough to make the hike mostly snow-free during quite a bit of the shoulder seasons. The trailhead elevation is 1,900 feet.

We'll meet at the trailhead at 8:30 a.m. on November 29. Hiking poles are recommended, and some will choose to bring micro spikes (some snow/ice reported at the ridge above the lake).
A Washington Trails Association trip report from November 17 said, "I'm so glad they fixed the road!" Also, he said that the trail was steep, the trail was 95% snow free with some snow at the top along the ridgeline, and he didn't use his micro-spikes. Four trip reports in the last few days all said, "Road suitable for all vehicles."
On 11/8/19, the ranger at the Skykomish station said that the road to the trailhead is open, said that there is some snow at the top of the ridge, and recommended that hikers carry microspikes in their backpacks so they can choose to use them if they feel the need.
Map: Green Trails Monte Cristo, WA No. 143

Remember that the Hiking and Backpacking on Weekdays and Weekends meet-up group is not a guide service. Members just decide to meet up and do something together. Members make their own decisions on what to do, where to go, and what risks they are willing to take. Going out in nature is not as safe as staying on your couch. There are wild animals, poisonous creatures, lakes, rivers, cliffs, falling trees and limbs, lightning, freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and other potential dangers out there; you could fall and hurt yourself, sustain a serious injury, or worse. You go at your own risk. By clicking RSVP or attending this hike, you agree not to hold the organizer or Meetup-com liable for any injuries, etc.

Take US Hwy 2 east from Monroe to just past the town of Skykomish (just past milepost 50 between the town of Skykomish and Skykomish Ranger Station). Turn left on to FR 65, more clearly marked as Beckler River Road and drive 12.5 miles on this road, passing the Beckler River Campground just after the pavement turns to gravel. After driving 12.5 miles, you arrive at Jack Pass, a 5 way junction. Take the second left. After driving 2.3 miles descending from Jack Pass, arrive at a junction with FR 63 and the private Garland Mineral Springs Road. Take a right on FR 63 and proceed about 2 miles. The trailhead is on a small spur road to the left, up another small hill. Co-ordinates: 47.9154, -121.3124
Vault toilets are available at trailhead, as well as a pit toilet at Virgin Lake.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the 20-car trailhead.