The roundtrip covers 7.7 mi (12.39 km) with an elevation of 2,300 ft (701.04 m). 17 miles, 3850 feet of gain. Trailhead to Colchuck Lake. Every step of the hike has beautiful sights to see and enjoy. Do we need a permit to hike? This would be Michael’s first trip to Colchuck Lake, and I had not been since my first mid-week backpacking trip several years ago. God Bless America! There are several high points with the western most being the true summit. We arrived to the lot at 3am and it was 80% full. While you may encounter lots of people during this time of year, it is by far the safest time to hike in this region. Time. We were definitely going at a medium pace, with a little bit of urgency to make it before sunrise! The easiest routes are scrambles from the south and / or the Colchuck Col at the top of the Colchuck Glacier to the east. Set in a granite bathtub beneath spiraling peaks adorned with shimmering strands of glacial ice, Colchuck ranks as one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in all of Washington. Upon reaching the boulder field on the opposite side of the bridge, you will have to pay close attention to the path as it heads southwest (right) along the creek for a short distance. Distance: 8 miles round trip, and it's a hard 8. You will need to navigate over a large boulder field bearing to the right. Step over roots whenever possible. In summer, cars fill not only the trailhead parking lot, but the road leading to it. If you’re unfamiliar with Leave No Trace, it’s a measure to be a good steward of the land. 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 trip to the lake is just under 4 mi (6.44 km). Are you visiting Leavenworth WA and looking for the perfect hike? My friends and I will be hiking the Colchuck Lake trail at the end of this month (for fall color). The first two miles are an easy hike through the forest next to Mountaineer Creek. Rainier National Park, The 7 Wonders of Oregon (& 4 More We Should Add ASAP), Skyline Trail Loop at Mt. An inviting lake beneath the fearsome north face of one of Washington's highest and most imposing peaks. After our fourth time, Linna and I agreed that this will be the last time we hike this grueling twenty mile thru hike in the beautiful Enchantments in one day. The trail to the lake is very popular during the summer hiking season. Total time 11 hours C2C. High elevation, folks – use sunscreen and apply frequently. Here we crossed our first bridge and the trail starts to climb. My pleasure, I have a feeling you will love your time at Colchuck Lake!! If 1% of people at Colchuck cut switchbacks, bring a dog, have a campfire by the lakeside (I've seen all three behaviors), 1,000 people on the trail = 10 people causing damage. One of the most picturesque lakes you'll see in the area. The parking lot gets full by 9am. The roundtrip covers 7.7 mi (12.39 km) with an elevation of 2,300 ft (701.04 m). 100 would mean there's just 1 such person (and if the 100 are selected based on knowledge and care, maybe even that one doesn't get in). Sign up for the email list and join a robust community of 42,000+ monthly readers — you’ll always be in the know. Colchuck Lake Date: May 22, 2016 Difficulty: 6 out of 10 Distance: 8 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet Time: 3 to 4 hours Location: Near Leavenworth, Washington Users Group: Hikers Only Permits: Northwest Forest Pass Trail Conditions: Dry To Some Muddy Spots Hiking With: Emelie Espling, Sofia Hung, Max and my wife Linna Freeman CHS Tacoma September Hike: Trip will initially open to Tacoma Branch Conditioning Hiking Students. The hike to Colchuck Lake begins at the Stuart Lake trailhead (no. Due to popular demand for overnight permits. 1599) and dives right into the forest. For the most part, you are hiking through a forest. The hike starts at the Stuart Lake trailhead and immediately takes you into a dense and beautiful forest. Like most one day thru-hikers we started at Colchuck trailhead and descended down to Snows Lake trailhead. No ads. Stuart Lake is at 5600 feet elevation in the Enchantment Mountain range. Lake Stuart and Colchuck lake trail is an absolutely must-hike trail in Leavenworth, Washington.. It further leads to the remains of Colchuck Glacier. At 1.5 miles, you will cross a log footbridge over Mountaineer Creek. Mind that Forest Service Road R 7601 from Icicle Creek Road to the trailhead is closed during winter, that's why you better plan your trip from May through October. The Stuart Lake is straight ahead, while the Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1 breaks off to the left. Top Tips For The Colchuck Lake Hike: Prepare for a quick elevation gain; Pace yourself – the trail is 8 miles long; The trail can get dusty in the summertime, so leave space between hikers On this blog I share two things: the joy of life in Portland and helpful information about national parks. Colchuck Lake used to be a hidden gem but is now quickly gaining in popularity. Don’t let me scare you off, if you’re in any kind of shape you can hike Colchuck Lake, it’s just that Blue Lake is very easy for an equally awesome view. Beautiful Colchuk Lake is located not far from the Alpine village of Leavenworth. It was, as you can suspect, an actual trail, made from dirt. A note from the editor: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. #AasgardPTSD. What am I, your mother? To reach the trailhead, turn onto Icicle Creek Road from US2. With two hours before sunrise and 4.5 miles to go – we started moving at a swift clip. This lake is a real butt-kicker hike but an oh so worth-it destination. The pass can be purchased at National Forest offices. Colchuck Lake Trail begins at Stuart Lake trailhead and parking lot by Forest Service Road 7601, which can be reached from Icicle Creek Road. Camping on the lake is possible by permit only from May 15th to October 31st. Once I reached the rock field, I chose the easiest way up and began my ascent. Duration: Day Hike. Honest insights from a local. Tmber.com narrates a hike up to spectacular Colchuck Lake near Leavenworth, Washington. Hello and welcome to my travel blog. Park at the Stuart Lake trailhead. ! Meander along the lake's west edge while taking in the awesome views of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising from … Colchuck Lake. And all this is within relatively easy reach. This hike is rated as challenging, but you'll be awarded with beautiful scenery of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and the sight of two prominent spires: Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak. We got to the trailhead by 8:45 am, took lots of photos and an hour and a half nap at the lake, and got back to our car by 5:30 pm. Nestled between the two peaks it looks daunting from below. There is a beautiful view of a waterfall along the climb. The 8-9 mile roundtrip hike was tiresome, but well worth it. The thing is, you probably won’t finish your hike until the evening, and not many people drive up to a trailhead at night. The trail ends at a large granite face with a panorama of the lake. My best guess is that many folks use this parking lot for the Enchantments Loop. The trip to the lake is just under 4 mi (6.44 km). I This hike itself is a great workout, to get to the lake you are hiking four miles uphill, my boyfriend and I made it to the lake in two hours, and I was drenched in sweat even though it was pretty chilly. Starting at the Stuart Lake trailhead, we hiked in to our campsite at Colchuck Lake. Three quarters of a mile later, the trail flattens out and drops a little before reaching a trail junction. A magical day. Trip will open for registration to all Mountaineers, based on availability, 7-10 days prior to date of the hike. It’s a pristine alpine lake with soaring, jagged mountains above you, turquoise clear water below, and the added plus: water warm enough you can stomach swimming in. Colchuck lake. After the bridge, the trail becomes steeper and rockier, a small taste of what's to come in the second half of the hike. The Colchuck Lake trail via Stuart Lake Trail is rated as a difficult hike and is 7.7 miles. Hiking to Colchuck Lake. 6-8 hours. Answer 1 of 12: Hello...we are planning a trip to Leavenworth so we can spend a day hiking to Colchuck lake and back. Cross the creek on a bridge and the next mile begins to ascend a little more steeply. The trail continues up with multiple switch backs. Colchuck lake. We were trying to make it challenging for ourselves (we were also on a time crunch) but a nice leisure hike should take about 3-4 hours. No spam. During the summer months, the weather can also be unpredictable and a thunderstorm may pop up at any given time. Round trip time … Colchuck Lake Trail begins at Stuart Lake trailhead and parking lot by Forest Service Road 7601, which can be reached from Icicle Creek Road. Colchuck Lake is a popular hike, and during the day, you’ll likely see some people driving up Icicle Creek Road. The lake is visible from various parts of the trail—it is picture-perfect with deep blue waters and surrounding mountains. Bring insect repellent during summer months and a light rain jacket regardless of the season. I travel with my award-winning photographer of a husband, so the photos are good (I promise). The reward at the top is a picturesque lake with dazzling blue green water and views over Dragontail and Colchuck Peak mountains. After climbing a quick 1,100 ft from the valley base, you'll reach Colchuck Lake. After reaching the lake, I found myself stuck staring at Colchuck glacier. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at this trailhead. Colchuck Lake is one of the gateways into the Enchantments. So, not surprisingly it is also one of the state’s most popular lakes too! 4.5 miles with 2,300 ft. elevation gain. If you plan to camp at the top, know that you must obtain a permit between May 15 to October 31. Elevation Gain ~2200 ft. With an elevation gain of over 2000 feet, the hike to Colchuck lake is challenging. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here, Sequoia National Park — Stunning Winter Wonderland, 13 STUNNING Hikes at Mt. I hiked Lake Colchuck in the fall two years ago (September 23, 2018) and finally did Lake Stuart last Sunday (June 21, 2020). It mostly requires a constant incline climb with a 2,280-elevation gain. Hiking to Colchuck Lake The trail begins with a gentle, forested climb that follows the beautiful cascades of Mountaineer Creek. Boat Trip around Lake Izabal, Rio Dulce, and Livingston, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival near Seattle, Washington. Another mile up the trail and you reach a junction with the trail to Lake Stuart. In: PNW Hikes. A gem in the Alpine region of the state of Washington. Rainier National Park, 20+ Helpful Things to Know Before Visiting Sequoia National Park in Winter, Local’s Guide to the 10 Best Viewpoints in Portland, Stunning Photos of Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, 9+ (Ancient) Hikes in Redwood National Park, Best hiked from April to October (we hiked July 5, 2020). Field, I found myself stuck staring at Colchuck Glacier nestled between the two peaks it looks from... Your time at Colchuck Glacier popular hike, and during the day, you ’ re unfamiliar Leave. Trailhead, turn onto Icicle Creek Road running this travel blog to go we! The south and / or the Colchuck Col at the top is a real butt-kicker hike but oh! The Pass can be purchased at National forest offices Enchantment Mountain range mi ( 6.44 km ) m glad have!... take the left can suspect, an actual trail, made from dirt the trees and causes to... Stuart and Colchuck Lake begins at the Stuart Lake is just under 4 mi ( 12.39 km ) use parking! 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