Jordan and I hike to Blue Lake whenever we get a chance to spend a summer in Cascade, Idaho. It is one of my favorite hikes because it’s an easy 1.6 mile out-and-back hike that has breathtaking views at every turn. There’s the mountains in the distance, the fields of wildflowers, creeks and streams to cross, a small waterfall and, of course, the lake. If you’re willing to brave the cold waters, you can definitely swim in these waters. Some folks are cool (and strong) and bring their paddle boards down. It’s a steep hike back, with a 380 feet elevation gain, so I couldn’t do such a thing. At least not now. It’s a goal of mine to be able to back pack down to Blue Lake and camp, which you can do at a first come first serve basis. Perhaps once the kids are grown and can carry their own packs. You can read more information on Blue Lake here.

A couple of weekends ago, my sister came out to see us and we hiked Blue Lake. It had been a while since we had been out here (thanks pandemic) and we may have missed a turn and gotten lost. A silly mistake as I assumed I couldn’t get signal. But rest assured we got signal and good ole Apple Maps brought us right to the trail head.

As you can see from the photos (and on my Instagram post), there was still some snow which makes for a fun round of snow ball fight, but also a determining factor of whether or not the hike was hike-able. Yes, even in the middle of June we have to worry about snow out here. The weather was perfect though! A little cool down at the lake, especially in the shade so a light hoodie was a good accessory.

Having three adults to two kids was a good set up for this family hike. Jordan was a bit worries about our kids first ever hike. We tried training them weeks prior by taking walks on our driveway every time we took the trash down to the garbage. This little exercise did prove that Eliza was eager to do things on her own and sure enough she rocked the hike that is said to be easy for four year olds. My baby girl is two, so I’ma take this opportunity to brag! My son however, did not enjoy the steep hike back. His Tita Nomi and I tried to apply the teachings of the Little Engine, but he kept saying back, “I know I can’t! I know I can’t!” I’m learning quickly that Anthem is wise beyond his years and therefore, is not to be fooled by these elementary fables. Despite his efforts to quell my positive mantra that he thought was just for him, I kept saying it to myself cause I sure needed the motivation and with my son being a Debbie downer, I needed the universe to help me out!

Strong lungs, strong legs, strong mind.

I repeated that to myself until I decided to run the last bit of the hike. And by last bit, it was at the point where I could see the top of the sign at the trail entranc (which isn’t very much). Yeah, I didn’t run for fun, I ran cause the end was near.

At the end of the day, I’d say my two year old daughter was strong than any of us. Okay, fine, if I was to rate who championed that easy hike (and I say that sarcastically because that’s what the sign tells you, but neglects to note that a descent at the start of the hike means an ascent to get out. . .do you feel your lungs and legs burning in agony as I describe this?):

1st place: Eliza for completing the hike without any qualms. Oh, I forget, minus 2 points for walking in the mud when I told her not too and then her entire foot sank into it. She then proceeded to cry about mud on her shoes. She a wild child, but she wants her shoe to stay nice and pretty. She gets that from me.

2nd place: Naomi because you hiked with a family with youngins and took a lot of photos of me.

Tied at 3rd: Me and Jordan because I ran that part at the end, but Jordan carried Anthem that last bit and we both equally complained when we got annoyed with a certain child.

4th place: Anthem for saying he wished he never came on the hike despite having said that this hike was the best thing ever at beginning. Also he gets last place for calling bullshit on my mantra. The universe and I are hurt. Still so hurt.

If you’re ever on this side of Idaho, come visit and when you’re done with the hike, stop into town and grab yourself a Thunder Mountain Burgers. If you know me, you know I love a good burger and this little restaurant does a good burger, crispy fries, and milk shake. It’s the kind of meal you want after a good day hiking.