Blue Lake Trail is a 1.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Cascade, Idaho that features a lake. The trail is good for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
hiking
lake
Beautiful trail ends in the lake you can definitely jump in bring a swimsuit you will get to enjoy after the nice hike down. On this trail you do have to hike up in the end so just be ready for that part also because it's says easy but I would say at least moderate to maybe hard.
This hike is great for just a day trip or you can stay longer and explore. The trail to the lake is almost exclusively down hill almost all the way to the lake. There are lots of great spots to swim, fish or just enjoy the lake. Due to the easy access and great views, expect to see other hikers.
Such a beautiful view!!! Really enjoyed the hike. Can't wait to backpack and camp!!!
Super easy hike. We camped there overnight and did some fishing. This is a great spot to come if you want to camp, but are limited on time.
beautiful hike! Beautiful day trip from Boise. Go to the Vandal and BSU store turn left, get to a red barn, turn left, go all the way up until you reach a well traveled parking lot with restroom. That is very where the trail starts, beautiful views, wild flowers and berries. we seen mushrooms, frogs and birds. dinner campers, fishermen and many swimmers even a few frogs! totally worth the hike back up the hill. Will do it again!
A ways out from Cascade. downhill most of the way to the lake so it is tougher on the way back. beautiful drive, short hike and well worth it to see the wildflowers, chipmunks and of course the lake :) will be back!
Steep for first bit, older people will have trouble. Very pretty. Mostly steep and rocky.
it is beautiful. Did not feel crowded at all even with the large number of cars in the parking lot. the wild flowers are in full bloom
easy in , harder out when carrying a 40lb child on your back. very pretty hike
Fun short hike! The road getting to the trailhead isn't bad either. We got up there without issues in a Nissan Versa. It might seem like you're driving forever, but just keep going and the trailhead will be really obvious. It is pretty heavily trafficked this time of year (Mid-July), but the water isn't too cold for swimming.
Love this hike!! I did it as a young girl and remembered loving it. Did it again with our family and it was even better than I remembered! So pretty and my kids LOVED it. They even jumped into the lake from the rocks into the freezing water!
R C.
July 3-4, 2017. A good destination for first-time backpackers. Still deep snow on the south side of the lake.
The road is still closed for snow before reaching the Blue Lake Trailhead. 6/25/17.