Diablo Lake Trail

This nearly eight-mile out-and-back starts along the wooded shores above Diablo Lake, threading through old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar before opening up to jaw-dropping views of water so impossibly turquoise it looks Photoshopped. The color comes from glacial flour — rock ground to powder by the glaciers above — and on a clear day it practically glows. The trail rolls through modest elevation changes, gaining about a thousand feet total across the full distance, so you'll feel it in your legs without ever questioning your life choices. Expect a mix of packed dirt, exposed root sections, and a few rocky scrambles near viewpoints. The forest stretches are deeply shaded and cool even in summer. This one rewards photographers and anyone who wants a solid half-day hike without committing to a death march. If you love lakes that look like they belong in a screensaver, this trail delivers.