Blue lake is set in a basin surrounded by thick forest and the water is truly blue. There are three ways to hike in and the easiest is the Blue Lake trail which is a 3 mile hike in but often crowded. The hike starts at 1,900' and continues through a forest of tall fir trees all the way to the lake. The best campsites are when you first reach the lake but if crowded, there are some campsites at the upper end.

Directions: I-5 south the east on Hwy 12 into Randle. Turn south in Randle and cross the Cowlitz River and drive 1 mile. Turn left on Road 23 for 12 miles until you see Bishop Ridge trail on the left side. Continue 17 miles to the first Blue Lake trail on the left and at 19 miles keep left at fork and follow signs to the Adams Fork Campground and you will find the second Blue Lake trail which you want.