We drove up north of Hwy 2 near Skyskomish to the Blanca Lake Trailhead and hiked up to Blanca Lake, 7.5 miles round trip with 3,300 ft of overall gain. We had the trail to ourselves on the way to the lake and found only one other hiker at the lake. It was so peaceful and serene. On our hike out we saw less that 20 other hikers.
This hike soon enters the Wild Sky Wilderness and is mostly in the forest going uphill about 2,600 ft to the top of a ridge before dropping down about 700 ft to Blanca Lake. We found lots of ripe huckleberries along the trail on our way up the ridge.
Near the top of the ridge, we had a view of Glacier Peak to the east.
zoom of Glacier Peak The trail then enters the Henry M Jackson Wilderness and the trail descends and goes around Virgin Lake.
Reflection in Virgin Lake 
As the trail continues down, there are occasional views of nearby peaks.
Steep steps along part of the trail.
First views of Blanca Lake
Blanca Lake at the shore, beautiful mountain reflections: Columbia Peak, Monte Cristo Peak, Kyes Peak
wide angle view of Blanca Lake, we had a nice lunch break here
Hiking back, last look at Blanca Lake
When we returned to the ridge, we could barely see Glacier Peak for the smoky haze starting to come westward. (zoom)some of the flora seen along the trail today:
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