Blue Lake and Dock Butte Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
7.7 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
410 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

Blue Lake and Dock Butte Trail is a 7.7 km trail in the Mount Baker Wilderness that leads you past a swimmable lake to a butte with a view over the surrounding landscape. This trail is a favourite in the late summer when huckleberries and blueberries take over the route. Expect moderate traffic on this hike. We don’t recommend trying this route in the wintertime due to heavy snow on the trail.

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Route Description for Blue Lake and Dock Butte Trail

Blue Lake and Dock Butte Trail is a nice choice in the summertime when the trail is lined with berries and the lake is warm enough for a swim. Without much traffic, this route can feel like a little slice of paradise on a sunny day.

We don’t recommend trying this hike in the wintertime as the snow makes the route impassable. Also, the road to the trail has some large potholes to avoid, so drive cautiously.

From the trailhead, hike to where the trail splits. The right arm goes up to the butte and the left goes to the lake. We like hiking to the butte first and then stopping by the lake on the return trip for a swim. Keep right and climb your way above Blue Lake, switchbacking and traversing along the ridge. Take in the view from the butte, then hike back to the junction and take the lake trail down to the water. From here, it’s back up to the junction and back to the car.

Getting to the Blue Lake and Dock Butte Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for Blue Lake and Dock Butte Trail is at the end of National Forest Development Road 1230.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    May-October

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Blue Lake and Dock Butte Trail Elevation Graph

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Blue Lake and Dock Butte Trail Reviews

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