Big Blue Lake Route

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views

To go from Hogan to Big Blue and on over the pass above Big Blue, you must be comfortable proceeding without a trail, proficient in cross-country navigation, and confident scrambling (but no higher than Class 2) on scree, rocks, and loose slopes.

From the north side of Hogan Lake, trace your way around the lake to the left, staying away from the brush in the drainage near the lake. A short distance up slope, you'll see a drainage (now dry) that rises nearly 1,000 feet to near little Neil Lake on the rim. This is the route. There are faint traces of use trail here and there, with cairns once and awhile, but you're really on your own to pick the best route up for you.

You won't see Neil Lake until the very end of the climb. A more definite use trail starts here and takes you to Big Blue Lake. The intense blue of the water in this pristine and beautiful lake is enhanced by being set against the light-colored rock walls that surround it. There are a few good campsites at Neil Lake and the west end of Big Blue.

The use trail continues on the level along the north side of the lake and fades near its east end (there are a few marginal campsites here). From the east end of Big Blue, work your way about half way up the slope and then do a rising traverse eastward to the obvious notch in the ridge just south of Point 7654. Do not drift toward the notch west of this point, as that will take you across some really loose terrain and, if you persist, into the wrong drainage.

From the notch, work your way east and down, choosing a route that works for you, to Upper Albert Lake and a junction with the Upper Albert Lake Trail. This route is best done counterclockwise.