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Wazzuhiker
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Joined: 11 Apr 2003
Posts: 226 | TRs | Pics
Location: Pullman/Monroe |
Does anyone know what the road/trail conditions to Blanca Lake are. I was thinking about heading up there if the road was driveable to the trailhead
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians..," Ted Nugent
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians..," Ted Nugent
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JimK
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Joined: 07 Feb 2002
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Location: Ballard |
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JimK
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 Mon May 10, 2004 6:39 am |
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This is copied from a May 2nd WTA report for Benchmark Mountain:
| Quote: | | Note that the N Fork Skykomish River Road is closed *before* Troublesome Campground. Nevertheless, we found the road passable beyond the closed sign. Road 63 is washed out at mile 16 in two places - the outage is practically within sight of Blanca Lake trailhead, however we had to walk a couple miles to get to West Cady Ridge trail. |
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Ice Girl
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Joined: 30 Apr 2002
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Ice Girl
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Mon May 10, 2004 1:07 pm |
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Drove up there last October, the road was washed out pretty good right before the Y in the road going up to the TH. I talked to the Ranger Station this morning and they said you can park within a half of a mile of the trailhead up there.
Ice Girl
P.S. might have a picture of the washout if you want me to email it to you.
IG
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Allison
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Joined: 17 Dec 2001
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Location: putting on my Nikes before the comet comes |
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Allison
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Mon May 10, 2004 2:20 pm |
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FYI it's way early for Blanca. You'll probably have to deal with lots of rotten spring snow on the way, and I would suspect the lake will still be pretty frozen over.
www.allisonoutside.com
follow me on Twitter! @AllisonLWoods
www.allisonoutside.com
follow me on Twitter! @AllisonLWoods
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Wazzuhiker
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Joined: 11 Apr 2003
Posts: 226 | TRs | Pics
Location: Pullman/Monroe |
Thanks, I know it is way early for Blanca but its the closest long/semi remote hike from my house. I dont like all the people on the I-90 trails and Mountain loop is kind of far away.
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians..," Ted Nugent
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians..," Ted Nugent
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Slugman
It’s a Slugfest!
Joined: 27 Mar 2003
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Slugman
It’s a Slugfest!
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Mon May 10, 2004 2:32 pm |
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I agree with ML in that it would be a waste to go to Blanca and not see the wonderfull color of the lake. But then I also wouldn't go to Mt Townsend on a cloudy day and miss the views! (sorry, sarbar!) 
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jenjen
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Joined: 30 Jun 2003
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Location: Sierra stylin |
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jenjen
Moderatrix
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Mon May 10, 2004 3:34 pm |
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The route to Blanca from Virgin lake can get tricky under snow cover if you aren't familiar with the trail. You might get lucky and find footsteps to follow.
FWIW I'd recommend an ice-axe for the slope from Virgin lake to Blanca lake.
If life gives you melons - you might be dyslexic
If life gives you melons - you might be dyslexic
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Allison
Feckless Swooner
Joined: 17 Dec 2001
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Location: putting on my Nikes before the comet comes |
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Allison
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Mon May 10, 2004 3:39 pm |
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Jen's right. I wish I'd had an ice axe for that last bit the time I went to Blanca Lake way too early. 
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follow me on Twitter! @AllisonLWoods
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Wazzuhiker
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Joined: 11 Apr 2003
Posts: 226 | TRs | Pics
Location: Pullman/Monroe |
I went up way to early last year expecting there to be a trail in the snow I could follow from Virgin Lake down to Blanca. Wishful thinking I guess because there were about ten of them and neither one went to the lake. Maybe I am taking a chance this year but I just love the hike.
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians..," Ted Nugent
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians..," Ted Nugent
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dicey
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Joined: 11 May 2004
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Location: giving cornices a wider berth |
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dicey
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Wed May 12, 2004 1:30 pm blanca lake
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i would grab an ice axe, compass and a map and go!!! i was up there may 1-2 (didn't go to blanca lake, went up west cady ridge to benchmark mt.) you can park real close to the blanca lake trailhead. not being able to park at the actual trail head would increase your chances for some solitude....... 
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sarbar
Living The Dream
Joined: 28 Jan 2002
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sarbar
Living The Dream
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Wed May 12, 2004 3:30 pm |
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Stefan
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Joined: 17 Dec 2001
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Stefan
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Wed May 12, 2004 3:45 pm |
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| dicey wrote: | | i would grab an ice axe, compass and a map and go!!! i was up there may 1-2 (didn't go to blanca lake, went up west cady ridge to benchmark mt.) you can park real close to the blanca lake trailhead. not being able to park at the actual trail head would increase your chances for some solitude....... |
Yeah, but would you still need a trail park pass??????? 
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dicey
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dicey
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Wed May 12, 2004 3:58 pm |
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Wazzuhiker
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Joined: 11 Apr 2003
Posts: 226 | TRs | Pics
Location: Pullman/Monroe |
I always go around the road closed sign and have never been caught. You cant worry about that kind of stuff in Index they have bigger things to worry about
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians..," Ted Nugent
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians..," Ted Nugent
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I did it more for the thigh burning sensation and that trail never fails to deliver that 
