This Turquoise Lake Is The Most Beautiful Spot To Fish In Washington
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published December 22, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
Not everyone spent their Sundays fishing with Grandpa, so getting into the sport as an adult can be daunting. Whatever enclave of the hobby you fall into, we Washingtonians are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding our lucky spot. That said, if you prioritize mesmerizing beauty over the thrill of a big catch, consider making the trek to Lake Blanca. Nestled in the mountains almost 4,000 feet above sea level, this Cascade treasure is one of the best places to fish in Washington.
Admittedly, the route to Lake Blanca isn't for the faint of heart. Hobbyists aspiring to spend a tranquil afternoon at the waterside with a beer cooler will cringe at the prospect of eight steep miles. Still, though it doesn't come easy, the trail promises splendid scenery to anglers with gumption.
Darting through the lake's shallows are shoals of Rainbow Trout. Just know, with the Columbia Glacier as its headwater, few nutrients make it into the water column here, meaning the fish population is slow-growing and unlikely to win any awards for size.
As a relatively popular route, the path to Lake Blanca is well-maintained, cutting through a rich alpine biome of towering conifers and sudden, vertiginous views of the surrounding Cascades. With a 3,000-foot climb in elevation, visitors should prepare for an arduous ascent. Don't underestimate the advantage of proper gear.
As you fight the thirty-or-so switchbacks leading to Blanca, you'll pass Virgin Lake. Located a little further than the trail's halfway point, this pool— fed seasonally by snowmelt— is a great spot to enjoy a break before your final push.
Reaching Lake Blanca will test your mettle. But the trail isn't cruel. It's generously beautiful, and the last leg of the route directs visitors downhill beneath the Monte Cristo, Columbia, and Keyes peaks.
This luminous water attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over, so if you want to catch something, I recommend arriving during the week when the trail is considerably emptier.
Incredible beauty awaits PNWers who are willing to contend with rugged terrain. But of the numerous places to fish in Washington, few can match the alpine scenery of Lake Blanca. Prepare for a struggle, but know you’ll be rewarded. And, if you plan your excursion for the week, you may have the mountains — and the trout — to yourself.
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