This is a challenging hike with beautiful scenery in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area of Washington State. Colchuck Lake was the destination I wanted to spend my birthday. NW Forest pass is required. The lake was completely snow covered, frozen and arctic-like. The first part of the trail follows a creek for about one mile to a log footbridge. The kind of picturesque Earth porn you find in destination magazines. Colchuck Lake is truly a gem of a day hike. I went past the TH to Washington, and the hairpin turn to the upper TH prior to turning around as my hiking partner did not like the road conditions. The hike starts out with an easy mile and a half, creek side walk through the forest. The road becomes bare and very drivable. We saw many post holes from a prior day - must have been a calorie, thigh-burning, suffer-fest. Conditions were good - no wind, no precip, decent visibility - could see all the peaks but clouds obfuscated the sun. If you can, head to Leavenworth the night before and spend the night or camp. It's 8.0 miles round trip to Colchuck Lake, with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. This glacier melt lake is a tucked away gem within with the Enchantments trail. Layer up and bring a hat/gloves as it gets pretty chilly on top. After the bridge, the route steepens and grows rockier, a small taste of what’s to come over the hike’s second half. This was the route used on the first ascent of the peak August 11, 1948 by Elvin R. and Norma Johnson, along with William A., and Kathy Long. Honestly, I am shocked, amazed, and impressed at how some people get up, but they do. Douglas S. Squirrel on Colchuck Lake The land is public and everyone can use it, but the improvements to it are classified differently. Hiking to Colchuck Lake The hike to Colchuck Lake begins at the Stuart Lake trailhead (no. Trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is reached. It was COLD! On July 2nd we headed to Colchuck Lake near Leavenworth. In summer, cars fill not only the trailhead parking lot, but the road leading to it. A little slower of a start than we anticipated, but early enough not to fret. The incline is challenging and walking poles are helpful. Colchuck Lake is one of the gateways into the Enchantments. There is a NO PARKING restriction for the entirety of Road 7601, from the start at Icicle Road 7600 to its terminus at Stuart Lake Trailhead. Toilets available at the trail head. Trailhead to Colchuck Lake. Conditions were good and the snow was packed enough to need only micro-spikes for the way up. So just keep your eyes peeled for a trail head … www.nimitpatel.com. Turn left here and trail soon crosses Mountaineer Creek again on a log bridge. At this point, you will continue up steep and rocky switch backs until you reach a junction for Stuart Lake (arrow point right) and Colchuck Lake (arrow point left). From the lake you can view Aasgard Pass which is for more serious hikers/backpackers to enter the Enchantments and that have received a pass to camp overnight. However, the way back was difficult for me. Total time 11 hours C2C. Once you reach Colchuck lake, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the blue/green lake with the peaks towering behind it. Otherwise, just take it slow. The winter route is in super condition. Leavenworth is quirky little town filled with Bavarian facades—very touristy. The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. Before, you reach the Colchuck Lake; you will get mesmerizing views of Mount Stuart. My advice - aggressive microspikes and poles at a minimum. The first glance you get rounding the corner to Colchuck Lake is an awe inspiring moment. This is a good place to get gas and any last minute snacks before continuing Icicle Creek Road and then Forest Service Road-7601 that leads to the Stuart Lake trailhead. For the first 1.7 miles, the hike is relatively easy with rolling hills and about 600 feet of elevation. While the final ascent to the lake is steep and rough in places, Colchuck’s overall elevation gain of 2,300 feet makes its spectacular scenery accessible to hikers of almost any ability. Many people going uphill welcome the opportunity to pause and let a downhill person go first. After a series of rocky switch backs you will reach the trail junction for Stuart, and Colchuck lakes. recommend attempts at proper hiking footwear and winter clothing (crazy what i saw today...) and dont act like you’re late late to an important date (seriously self centered, rude, and dangerous); right of way goes to those going uphill. From the north, the peak is approached via the Colchuck Lake Trail and / or the Stuart Lake Trail reached from Leavenworth, WA. We opted for summer climbing boots and 12 points. WTA Pro Tip: There are campsites all along the lakeshore, but be aware that camping here is managed under the same strict regime as the core Enchantment Zone -– overnight stays are by permit only from May 15th-October 31st. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. The reward at the top is a picturesque lake with dazzling blue green water and views over Dragontail and Colchuck Peak mountains. Dispersed camping is not allowed between the road and Icicle Creek. Even though it is a steady uphill climb to Colchuck Lake, this felt like one of the easiest and fastest sections of the hike. To find the trail from Leavenworth, take US2 from the western side of Leavenworth. Follow the potholed dirt road 3.7 miles to the Stuart Lake trailhead. As if Colchuck Lake alone weren’t enough of a draw, it is one of the two gateways to the Enchantments, and the trailhead also accesses Stuart Lake, an easier and equally awesome destination. You can replenish water in the creeks or lake, but be sure to filter or treat before drinking. Cold, frozen, icy and packed. Trails Rebooted 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. To hike to Colchuck Lake, you’ll want to start at the Stuart Lake trailhead and parking area. Colchuck Lake is a magnificent color of blue (from glacial till) and offers great overnight camping. Going up was not too bad however the latter part (closest to the lake) has some steeper grades. My friend Austin and I reached the Stuart Lake Trailhead around 10:30/11:00 PM on Monday night. If you’re kind of in the middle like me, you’ll also be fine! There is a $5 cash for park fee unless you have the NW Forest Pass. I hit the start of this at 3:30 in the am, so most of my hike was done in the dark with headlamps. Approach. This hike is the stuff of legends. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association The 8-9 mile roundtrip hike was tiresome, but well worth it. You will have a few areas with views perfect for photo opportunities on your way to the lake. At 2.2 miles take a left at the junction with the Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1. Two weeks ago, we headed up to Leavenworth for the weekend. Without hourly reports, an unwitting hiker might show up and twist their ankle on a rock that has been loosened in the last 60 minutes or they might be caught unawares by the last remnants of a small snow patch and - having not been told to pack microspikes, crampons, ice skates, … At about 1.75 miles (elev. Past this, there is snow and ice as the road appears to be in the shade most of the day. Be sure to pack extra layers for the lake. Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake Trail is a 11.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Leavenworth, Washington that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Do wear gaiters for the occasional posthole or tree well. The road in was paced, compact snow and ice but manageable for most cars, even 2 wheel drive - however, I expect after last night's storms road and route condition have already changed drastically, as Blewett and Snoqualmie pass both had a lot of snow as we drove home. Please remember there are people with different skill levels and athletic ability. This is a great place to grab lunch and take in the scenery. The trail continues past Colchuck Luck up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantment Lakes if you choose to extend your hike. Colchuck Lake; The black fly population was out like I haven't seen in a long time, they would literally swarm you from the trailhead to the Lake. Like most one day thru-hikers we started at Colchuck trailhead and descended down to Snows Lake trailhead. In summer, cars fill not only the trailhead parking lot, but the road leading to it. Totally worth it and the grey jays were adorable all the way up (but don't feed them, it's not good for the birds)! Went Nov 1st. Parking Restriction: Parking allowed at trailheads and only on the right side of Road 7601 between Eightmile Lake and Stuart Lake trailheads. Suddenly, laid out beneath your feet are the icy waters of the lake–-deep blue in the shade, bright aquamarine in sunlight–-while high above you at the far end of the lake, the twin spires of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks seem to crowd out the very sky. You will stay to the right after crossing the bridge, and walk along the creek before your next big push uphill. Three quarters of a mile later, the trail flattens out and drops a little before reaching a trail junction. The roundtrip covers 7.7 mi (12.39 km) with an elevation of 2,300 ft (701.04 m). This is truly a brutal trek with 4,500 feet gain and 6,500 feet descent on not so easy terrain. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. The snow was icy, crunchy, and solid with proper traction. Paul Kriloff. The start of Colchuck lake is the same trailhead as Stuart Lake. The trail seems to end at a broad granite face overlooking the lake. For the most part, you are hiking through a forest. I was stoked to hike to see Colchuck for myself and I dragged my family members with me. But the steepest sections at the end was icy. I slipped multiple times, even as a self-proclaimed avid hiker. Take the left trail (the right trail goes to Stuart Lake) and cross the creek. On hot days, standing at the midpoint of the bridge, hikers can catch some welcome relief from the breeze coming off the rushing whitewater of the creek. Here we crossed our first bridge and the trail starts to climb. This is a rather small town but easy to find on the map. As we drove down Forest Service Road 760, I thought we were lost after driving for twenty minutes. 1599) and dives right into the forest. While the final ascent to the lake is steep and rough in places, Colchuck’s overall elevation gain of 2,300 feet makes its spectacular scenery accessible to hikers of almost any ability. It is a must to get to trailhead early as there is limited parking at base and if full it is another probably 2 mile walk from where your other parking option is. With snow cover on the glacier, it is an easy 3 to 4 hour undertaking from a camp at Colchuck Lake, or can be done in a day from the trailhead. It’s the only toilet there, with no walls. Enjoy the scenery and stop bitchin ladies! Check out my photos The trailhead is easily found from the parking area. Also, at this time of year the mosquitos were relentless - even with bug spray. Colchuck Lake is breathtaking! Trailhead: Stuart and Colchuck Lake The Enchantments are one of the most magnificent natural areas in Washington State, with its glistening alpine lakes, glacially-carved granite, and jagged peaks. We had the place to ourselves most of the day until a trio of snowshoes passed us by on the way to the lake, turning around however as they were at their turnaround point. The parking area can be busy, as visitors access the Enchantments and Stuart Lake from this trailhead. The first 20 miles are on a paved road (Icicle Creek Road), but after you take a left into the Bridge Creek Campground area, the road turns to dirt, which is National Forest Road 7601. Hiked 11/7. Stats according to WTA website: 8 miles roundtrip, 2280 ft elevation gain, high point 5580 ft. Our group thinks this may have been inaccurate for the distance. The summer route had a single summit when we got to the top, and about 5 of us took the route down. From the lake you can view Aasgard Pass which is for more serious hikers/backpackers to enter the Enchantments and that have received a pass to camp overnight. The first section of this slog is just a foot in front of foot hike to the stunning Colchuck Lake which is seated at the bottom of Aasgard Pass. I think we arrived at Colchuck around 8:00 AM. Slippery due to ice patches throughout the trail. The first mile and a half climbs very gradually in forest, first dense and dark, then thinner and lighter, within earshot and sometimes sightline of Mountaineer Creek. Northwest Forest Pass required. One of the best hikes here in autumn is Colchuck Lake. We didn't wear our spikes but had them with us. This is a rather small town but easy to find on the map. IG @ nimitpatel_ A magical day. On both my joints and my mind. A northwest forest pass is required. You can read about the trail conditions and other people’s reviews, pretty up to date, here. So don’t get your panties in a twist just because the uphill hiker doesn’t always pass first. We did this as a day hike. The trip to the lake is just under 4 mi (6.44 km). Here's a short list of nearby campgrounds sorted by proximity to the Snow Lakes Trailhead, and you'll find several more that are farther afield featured in below. Views are incredible! The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. Northwest Forest Pass required.Note that FR 7601 from Icicle Creek Road to the trailhead closes during the winter, typically from November to May, making for a short summer hiking season. At some points along this portion of the hike you will catch a glimpse of Mountaineer Creek. Park at the Stuart Lake trailhead. Not an easy one, definitely helps to be somewhat physically fit. A short distance later you near the creek again, but here its waters turn suddenly glassy smooth; a nice spot for a meditative pause before starting to climb once again. 4:45 AM came quick and we were up eating a big breakfast, drinking cold brew, and packing our daypacks before we hit the trailhead at 6:05 AM. To the right are the remnants of the Colchuck Glacier and the slopes of Colchuck Peak, its true summit tucked out of view behind rocky towers. It was a good, hard hike, but nothing crazy – we took maybe 2:15 or so on the way up and flew down in 1:45 or so after the technical icy bits toward the top. Occasional breaks in the trees offer glimpses of the steep walls of the valley. Some people are looking down at the trail so as not to fall and don’t see an oncoming hiker until you are 5 ft away from each other. Make sure to turn LEFT at the fork to Colchuck since going straight will lead you to Stuart Lake. Many people don’t pay close attention to the signs and get lost this way! Take a left onto Forest Road 7601. Saw many people fall, good hiking shoes recommended. road is in good shape (but last turn off road closed for the season tomorrow 11/9), no snow or ice, yes to potholes but not too deep. Took the "winter route" from Icicle Creek Road up to Colchuck Lake which adds 8 miles. Today’s conditions were mostly fine with patches of ice and slippery surfaces that I slipped on and saw numerous people slip on. The trail continues along western shore of lake to access campsites and the route up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantments. Unfortunately it rained the day of our hike. I really started to struggle towards the end. Cold, wear layers of sweaters. Colchuck Lake is a beautiful, blue lake with dramatic peaks in the background. This map was created by a user. Reach Colchuck Lake as per the main page. Elevation gain made me a little lightheaded going up but it wasn’t too bad. I will do this one again for sure but in daylight. Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake Trail is a 14.5 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Leavenworth, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. The parking lot is located at the very end of the gravel road. Colchuck Lake Trail begins at Stuart Lake trailhead and parking lot by Forest Service Road 7601, which can be reached from Icicle Creek Road. Travel down Icicle Road for 8.4 miles until you reach Forest Road 7601. You will need to turn off of US2 onto Icicle Road. Finally hitting the lake, our group found the perfect lunch spot overlooking Dragontail Peak, Aasgard Pass and Colchuck Glacier/Peak. The lakes are situated within the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, where visitors are privy to endlessly beautiful views of lakes, larch trees, snow-topped peaks, glaciers, and occasional goat sightings. This will put you at Colchuck Lake and the base of Aasgard Pass, which is less than a mile in distance, but comes with an elevation gain of about 1,900 feet. Suddenly, laid out beneath your feet are the icy waters of the lake–-deep blue in the shade, bright aquamarine in sunlight–-while high above you at the far end of the lake, the twin spires of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks seem to crowd out the very sky. Poles and spikes are not NEEDED, but probably helpful in some sections. The center snow pile is difficult to clear. Here’s how to find it: Drive Highway 2 to milepost 99, found on the western edge of the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. From the town, the trailhead to the Colchuck Lake hike is a 40-minute drive. The trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek and crosses creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge. After a series of bends and ups and downs in the trees, the trail reaches a rock field at the bottom of the terminal moraine of the Colchuck Glacier. 4000ft) the trail crosses the creek on an spectacular log bridge spanning deep pools of water on large boulders. Like most one day thru-hikers we started at Colchuck trailhead and descended down to Snows Lake trailhead. The Colchuck Lake trailhead is located near the town of Leavenworth, Washington. Our group of 9 friends started around 7:00 a.m. and made it back to the vehicles around 10:00 p.m.. You will need to turn off of US2 onto Icicle Road. Soon, the lake would appear through the trees and you would feel like magic. Good tracks and boot steps were left, and about 6 people were on the way up as we descended, so I expect both routes prior to new snowfall will be in very good condition - very firm bootpack. Offering a wonderful day trip, Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake Trail is a beautiful trail and offers a number of activities. Overview of Colchuck Lake via WTA.org; Get turn-by-turn driving directions to the trailhead via Google Maps; Bring plenty of water. COLCHUCK LAKE TO STUART LAKE TRAILHEAD. Seattle, WA 98104. I honestly felt great on the way up - perhaps the adrenaline of seeing the lake. This lake is a real butt-kicker hike but an oh so worth-it … As if Colchuck Lake alone weren’t enough of a draw, it is one of the two gateways to the Enchantments, and the trailhead also accesses Stuart Lake, an easier and equally awesome destination. No snow on trail until the very end and even then, it was just a trace. Be careful of … A gorgeous day at Colchuck Lake. Straight ahead the path to Stuart Lake rolls out, while the Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1 breaks off to the left. After the bridge the trail begins to climb, switchbacking its way up to a junction at 2.5 miles. 17 miles, 3850 feet of gain. Part of its magic was induced by hiking in 102 degree heat. It’s much colder than trailhead. As stated below, road to trailhead closes on 11/9, and would add 8 (boring) miles to the total. The snow covered everything and the environment was so different compared to my previous two hikes up Colchuck this past summer. With an elevation gain of over 2000 feet, the hike to Colchuck lake is challenging. It’s about 9 miles and I’ve never hiked with this significant elevation change. Getting into the Enchantment Lakes area takes some effort, though, and a backpacking trip into the region is an unforgettable experience. It is about 4.1 miles from the trailhead to Colchuck Lake. I did this hike in July 2020 (as part of the Enchantments 23.6 miles from trailhead to trailhead). Turn left after 8.5 miles onto Forest Service Road #7601. Turn left and drive past the campground, cross a bridge over Icicle Creek and continue past the Eightmile Lake Trailhead (which is 3 miles in). To find the trail from Leavenworth, take US2 from the western side of Leavenworth. Looking forward to hiking this again next summer! The lot fits 75 cars and has bathrooms. You pay at the trail head. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. There are beautiful views of the lake -- with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising 3,000 feet above south end of lake. This alpine lake is accompanied by the twin spires of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak at the far end of the lake. It took about 3 hours to get to the trailhead, called Stuart and Lake Colchuck trailhead, and about 6 – 7 hours to finish the entire hike. A northwest forest pass is required. Leavenworth also provides a strong offering of sausages for pre-hike dinner. This final segment drops quickly from Colchuck Lake on rugged, eroded terrain that gradually moderates along Mountaineer Creek to the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Travel down Icicle Road for 8.4 miles until you reach Forest Road 7601. Here’s how to find it: Drive Highway 2 to milepost 99, found on the western edge of the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. The Colchuck Lake trail is steady at first but picks up quickly. Start early to finish before dark. There are also campsites near north end of lake. You can go about 3/4 of the way in a decent, high clearance, AWD, 4WD - I saw at the top trailhead, a 3rd Gen 4Runner and built Toyota Tacoma pickup. At several spots along the way, views open up, first to the valley you’ve just climbed out of, then up to the toothy ridge of Dragontail Peak. The Colchuck Lake hike is undoubtedly one of the PNW's best and is VFC's favorite, aside from what sits beyond the lakes in the Enchantments. Once you get to the lake, the views are outstanding. It is the bigger brother to the nearby Enchantment Lakes, much easier to reach (as a day hike, especially), and some have described it as a religious experience.The glacier-fed waters of Colchuck Lake are an ethereal aquamarine blue. Although this trail is one of my favorite hikes, the road was closed for the winter when you first turn off of Icicle Rd. Truly beautiful. Parking is only allowed in the Eightmile and Stuart/Colchuck Trailhead Parking Lots. The Colchuck Lake hike is undoubtedly one of the PNW's best and is VFC's favorite, aside from what sits beyond the lakes in the Enchantments. The entire trail was already broken in and had a decent bootpack. Any real difficulties for novice hikers? Colchuck Lake: Getting to the Trailhead. This is a compacted dirt and gravel road that is suitable for standard cars.
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