The hike to Lake Blanche -- and it's two sister lakes: Lake Florence and Lake Lillian is a steady climb. From the best I can tell, the hike starts at about 6000 feet and climbs to 8900. There isn't much cell phone connection up there either -- if you stood on a peak you were lucky to get a single bar
The trail was well marked, consisting of single track trail. The first two miles of the 3 mile hike is a very steady ascent and if you aren't in shape, you will pay for it. Be prepared and have plenty of water and while the trail seems to be safe, there are a few places were you will be scrambling over rocks.
For the first mile you also will hug a roaring spring brook. While not always visible, you can certainly hear it through the trees.
The final mile involves a lot of scrambling over rocks, but once again the trail is extremely well defined. The roughly 3 mile hike to the lake took us close to 90 minutes. We took lots of breaks and the increasing altitude will take a toll on you.
Once you arrive at the lake, you will be treated to a meadow full of yellow, purple and white flowers. The lake (a pond by midwest standards) is very gentle and well worth the trip. While less impressive, the two sister lakes are a quick 5 minute hike. I also went for a quick hike and spied the falls that feed the lake (after crossing a meadow of yellow wild flowers).
Once again, this hike isn't for the faint of heart. It is 6 miles long (round trip) and felt like a 5 mile walk each way. When I was done, I felt like I had run at least 14 miles -- a serious workout. I did see some runners on the trail, but I didn't think the trail was suitable for safe running...
Enjoy the photos:
Up you go....
the brook beside the trail
A grove of birch trees
Wildflowers along the trail
More wildflowers
You have to scramble over some of these rocks
Almost there!
Lake Blanche
The falls behind Lake Blanche
The meadow of flowers behind Lake Blanche
Yours truly near Lake Blanche
Lake Florence
Going down
the trail head
The falls at the base of the trail
