Blue Lake and Dock Butte Trail
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Table of contents
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.
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
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
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