So I was challenged by Michelle V to attempt this trail and I don’t really like to refuse a challenge if I think it’s within my grasp. The photos on the Blanca Lake page were enough to make my mind swarm with anticipation of reaching the lake. It’s just so darn beautiful. So I purchased my NW Forest Pass using the link on the WTA website, did a little research on how to get there since sometimes trailheads are hard to find, gassed up my hoopty and sped(literally) up to Blanca Lake. If you’re using the Unilocal App, I’ve left a tip that may help you find the trailhead or just send me a message and I can message you back. Anyway, I left early as the website says the parking lot fills up quickly. I got there at about 10am on a Saturday and the lot was full. People park on the side of the road, which is realllllly narrow in places and can really make it hard to anticipate drivers coming at you in the other direction. Also, once you get further up NF-65, the road becomes«primitive». This means that the road isn’t maintained by the county and can be full of DEEP divots and potholes. It is also covered with small pebbles with can make it seem like you’re driving on a sheet of water(hydroplaning but on rocks). So I caution you to drive the speed limit of 35 mph. Anyway, you came here to hike the trail, right? Ok… well multiple websites I searched as well as the trail information just before you enter the trail states that this trail is very difficult or for expert level hikers. That should have been a note to self for me, but I was like, «Yeah…I got this!» I busted into this trail almost thinking it was too easy. I was about to just turn around and leave because I thought it was just too easy. Boyyyyyyyyyyy was I wrong! Cheeese and crackers this trail kicked my A! Not only does it twist and turn and change gradient and is slick and muddy in many places especially after rain, but it’s practically ALL uphill(gain 3300 ft!!). There aren’t really many places to regain your composure, breath, or stop when other are trying to pass you. Also, there are several faux trails along the way that can get a person who is not paying attention to go off course. Probably a good thing to register yourself at the entrance signage/map registration box, so they can call for reinforcements if you don’t make it back down. Sadly, I had to stop and turn around as my heart felt like it was literally going to claw it’s way out of my chest and b*tchslap me for trying to trick it in to working so hard. I almost gave up about 5 – 7 times but kept pushing, but it was still just too much. I would say I’m an intermediate hiker, so I will get stronger and I WILL go back and try this again. It’s a wonderful wonderful trail, but you really need to be focused. It was beautiful nature wise as well and you could hear the rush of water in the background. People brought all size dogs as well, but personally I think it’s a bad idea for some of the smaller dogs(just my opinion). Probably don’t even bring small children. No strollers. No wheelchairs. Period. Bring more water than you think you’ll need… seriously. Wear appropriate footwear. As I was coming down people who looked less prepared than me were asking how long it took me to get to the top, how much longer was it, was there much trail left until the lake. I would say, don’t go in to this area focused on how long it will take you. Don’t even focus on the reward at the end(the lake). Just focus on putting one foot in front of the other.
