Some folks had microspikes, some shared a single pair, saw some cool short snowshoes, and one or two somehow scrambling up in only boots. 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. Leavenworth also provides a strong offering of sausages for pre-hike dinner. Trails Rebooted 209S map. Turn south onto Icicle Creek Road, which is well maintained for the most part. We ended up snowshoeing down with the last 6 miles in the dark with the moon illuminating the snow here and there. The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. After one final steep stretch, the trail takes a jog to the right, drops into a small swale and suddenly, there you are at one of the finest lake views in the Cascades. Otherwise, you can park about 3/4 of the way up in a usual good trail car. The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. To the left of Dragontail is Aasgard Pass, the climb that serves as the unbelievably steep “shortcut” to the Enchantments. Park at the Stuart Lake trailhead. Also, at this time of year the mosquitos were relentless - even with bug spray. We opted for summer climbing boots and 12 points. 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. This map was created by a user. We opted to don our snowshoes for the route down and used them all the way to Icicle creek. To reach the trailhead, turn onto Icicle Creek Road from US2 on the very western edge of Leavenworth. I slip and slide on most things - forget about ice and snow, I find wet dirt, rocks, and logs a hazard to my joints, knees, and face when I plant, so I am overly aggressive on my traction. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. At 2.2 miles take a left at the junction with the Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1. I was stoked to hike to see Colchuck for myself and I dragged my family members with me. Looking forward to go again in the summer. You can read about the trail conditions and other people’s reviews, pretty up to date, here. It might have been closer to… Honestly, I am shocked, amazed, and impressed at how some people get up, but they do. If not, return the way you came. If you drive vehicles similar to those in the last pic, you can make it all the way up. 1599) and dives right into the forest. Day 1: Start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and follow for 2.3 miles. My advice - aggressive microspikes and poles at a minimum. I really started to struggle towards the end. I think we arrived at Colchuck around 8:00 AM. The parking area can be busy, as visitors access the Enchantments and Stuart Lake from this trailhead. Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. The trail has a distance of 14.5 km and an elevation gain of 696 m. It is a loop trail located near Leavenworth, Washington. The trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek and crosses creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge. Truly beautiful. In summer, cars fill not only the trailhead parking lot, but the road leading to it. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association (For a full description of this hike and others in this region, purchase Day Hiking, Central Cascades by Craig Romano, published by Mountaineers Books.) 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. Started at 11am and got back to the car around 6pm. This glacier melt lake is a tucked away gem within with the Enchantments trail. Another great hike with the 40+ Meetup group. Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. The snow covered everything and the environment was so different compared to my previous two hikes up Colchuck this past summer. Views are incredible! Colchuck Lake used to be a hidden gem but is now quickly gaining in popularity. Trailhead to Colchuck Lake. You can replenish water in the creeks or lake, but be sure to filter or treat before drinking. Turn left here and trail soon crosses Mountaineer Creek again on a log bridge. trail has slippery frost and ice near the top and spikes were great. The trail immediately crosses Mountaineer Creek again and then climbs steeply over sometimes rocky and washed-out trail. 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. 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. Hiked on 11/8. Do we need a permit to hike? 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)! We did this as a day hike. We did this as a day hike. We used poles all the way up. Colchuck Lake was the destination I wanted to spend my birthday. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Two weeks ago, we headed up to Leavenworth for the weekend. So don’t get your panties in a twist just because the uphill hiker doesn’t always pass first. If you can, head to Leavenworth the night before and spend the night or camp. This alpine lake is accompanied by the twin spires of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak at the far end of the lake. Finally hitting the lake, our group found the perfect lunch spot overlooking Dragontail Peak, Aasgard Pass and Colchuck Glacier/Peak. This is a challenging hike with beautiful scenery in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area of Washington State. Hiked this on 11/8 with a group of athletic 20-somethings. Enjoy the scenery and stop bitchin ladies! Our group of 9 friends started around 7:00 a.m. and made it back to the vehicles around 10:00 p.m.. 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. Went Nov 1st. The trailhead is easily found from the parking area. Colchuck Lake Trail begins at Stuart Lake trailhead and parking lot by Forest Service Road 7601, which can be reached from Icicle Creek Road. Otherwise, just take it slow. 4000ft) the trail crosses the creek on an spectacular log bridge spanning deep pools of water on large boulders. It’s about 9 miles and I’ve never hiked with this significant elevation change. Shortly afterwards the trail begins its climb. I honestly felt great on the way up - perhaps the adrenaline of seeing the lake. Just take your time. You will stay to the right after crossing the bridge, and walk along the creek before your next big push uphill. I was really looking forward to seeing Colchuck Lake, with its green coloring, against the snowy backdrop, but alas, that was not to be. I slipped multiple times, even as a self-proclaimed avid hiker. Any real difficulties for novice hikers? The first part of this trail follows the Stuart Lake Trail before branching off to the left. At the Lake they were joined by the mosquitoes to blunt the enjoyment this lake has to offer. Some people enjoy a fast hike and some slow. From the north, the peak is approached via the Colchuck Lake Trail and / or the Stuart Lake Trail reached from Leavenworth, WA. The road was frozen and slick in the AM, and a Ford Pickup was in the ditch past the lower TH. Reach Colchuck Lake as per the main page. This is a compacted dirt and gravel road that is suitable for standard cars. Before, you reach the Colchuck Lake; you will get mesmerizing views of Mount Stuart. This final segment drops quickly from Colchuck Lake on rugged, eroded terrain that gradually moderates along Mountaineer Creek to the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 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. 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. Stuart Lake (#1599), Colchuck Lake (#1599A), Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District, 100 Hikes in Washington's Alpine Lakes (Spring, Buy the Green Trails Enchantments No. Follow the potholed dirt road 3.7 miles to the Stuart Lake trailhead. Today’s conditions were mostly fine with patches of ice and slippery surfaces that I slipped on and saw numerous people slip on. This is truly a brutal trek with 4,500 feet gain and 6,500 feet descent on not so easy terrain. It’s the only toilet there, with no walls. As we drove down Forest Service Road 760, I thought we were lost after driving for twenty minutes. Parking is only allowed in the Eightmile and Stuart/Colchuck Trailhead Parking Lots. Poles and spikes are not NEEDED, but probably helpful in some sections. At about 1.75 miles (elev. Answer 1 of 12: Hello...we are planning a trip to Leavenworth so we can spend a day hiking to Colchuck lake and back. 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. Photo by Paul Kriloff. Many layers and gloves highly recommended. Hiking to Colchuck Lake The hike to Colchuck Lake begins at the Stuart Lake trailhead (no. Colchuck Lake is one of the gateways into the Enchantments. Please note that it's a heavily ticketed and towed area so be sure to park properly. COLCHUCK LAKE TO STUART LAKE TRAILHEAD. Colchuck Lake is one of the gateways into the Enchantments. This is a rather small town but easy to find on the map. Hike by WTA Correspondents: Follow the bumpy, sometimes potholed dirt road 3.7 miles to the Stuart Lake trailhead. Use poles. As if Colchuck Lake alone werent 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. 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. The 8-9 mile roundtrip hike was tiresome, but well worth it. The jagged peaks and passes surrounding the lake have mystical names like Dragontail and Aasgard Pass. Total time 11 hours C2C. 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. Find a good spot, to get the best views and capture this moment by taking photos. The Colchuck Lake trailhead is located near the town of Leavenworth, Washington. Bring the 10 essentials. The roundtrip covers 7.7 mi (12.39 km) with an elevation of 2,300 ft (701.04 m). How to Find Colchuck Lake : To hike to Colchuck Lake, you’ll want to start at the Stuart Lake trailhead and parking area. This lake is a real butt-kicker hike but an oh so worth-it … The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. With an elevation gain of over 2000 feet, the hike to Colchuck lake is challenging. Three quarters of a mile later, the trail flattens out and drops a little before reaching a trail junction. Many parts of the trail were slick with ice. Looking forward to hiking this again next summer! For the first 1.7 miles, the hike is relatively easy with rolling hills and about 600 feet of elevation. A little slower of a start than we anticipated, but early enough not to fret. 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. Cold, wear layers of sweaters. It's 8.0 miles round trip to Colchuck Lake, with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. The top gets pretty chilly, especially with cloud cover. 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. 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). And all this is within relatively easy reach. Hiked in: Saturday, October 5, 2019 Colchuck Lake + Upper Enchantments Alpine Lakes Wilderness Roundtrip: ~16 miles Highest pt: 7,841 ft Elevation gain: 4,300 ft Ah, October… the perfect fall hiking conditions for dramatic yellow larches, super comfortable trekking temperatures and a high prob Straight ahead the path to Stuart Lake rolls out, while the Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1 breaks off to the left. 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. But the steepest sections at the end was icy. Colchuck Lake is a beautiful, blue lake with dramatic peaks in the background. The Leavenworth area has numerous hikes, but Colchuck Lake hike is one of the two gateways to the famous Enchantments goo.gl/fodFj2. Cross the creek on a bridge and the next mile begins to ascend a little more steeply. Distance: 4.25 miles Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet Average Time: 2 to 3 hours. Colchuck Lake: Getting to the Trailhead. The trip to the lake is just under 4 mi (6.44 km). Slippery due to ice patches throughout the trail. It is about 4.1 miles from the trailhead to Colchuck Lake. 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. Hiked 11/7. The trail was in good condition but icy for the last 1-1.5 miles to the top. I was scared based on the hard rating and other people’s stories but it was easier than I actually thought. Begin on the Stuart Lake Trail #1599. Please remember there are people with different skill levels and athletic ability. The view of the lake is definitely worth it. You will need to turn off of US2 onto Icicle Road. Travel down Icicle Road for 8.4 miles until you reach Forest Road 7601. Once you reach Colchuck lake, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the blue/green lake with the peaks towering behind it. Start early to finish before dark. There is a $5 cash for park fee unless you have the NW Forest Pass. 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. (Seems obvious but we noticed many others were a bit under prepared). Not an easy one, definitely helps to be somewhat physically fit. 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. 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. The Colchuck Lake route via the Stuart Lake Trailhead is a fantastic way to see a gorgeous part of Washington state, plus Aasgard Pass looming above the lake itself. 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. From Seattle, take WA 522-E to US2-E which will drop you into the small, Bavarian themed town of Leavenworth. You will have a few areas with views perfect for photo opportunities on your way to the lake. From the junction, it is 1.6 miles to Colchuck Lake. In summer, cars fill not only the trailhead parking lot, but the road leading to it. 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. The scenery was an absolutely gorgeous winter wonderland. Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. The trailhead was a 45… The lot fits 75 cars and has bathrooms. If the DNR and USFS can charge a fee for the pass that lets you use the parking lots and the outhouses, I would assume they can also require certain basic standards before issuing the Discover Pass and NW Forest. Different, but still very beautiful and quiet. Going up was not too bad however the latter part (closest to the lake) has some steeper grades. 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, … Colchuck Lake is one of the lakes that make up the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which was established in 1976 and consists of 391,988 acres. 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. Take a left onto Forest Road 7601. Elevation gain made me a little lightheaded going up but it wasn’t too bad. 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. 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. 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. Turn south onto Icicle Creek Road, which is well maintained for the most part. Note: The road leading to the trailhead may be closed during the winter and will add 8 miles to your overall trip. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. Colchuck Lake Tips & Hiking Resources. Our group of 9 friends started around 7:00 a.m. and made it back to the vehicles around 10:00 p.m.. Made it unpleasant to say the least. A northwest forest pass is required. Here’s how to find it: Drive Highway 2 to milepost 99, found on the western edge of the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. This is by far the hardest hike I ever did. Colchuck Lake Trail begins at Stuart Lake trailhead and parking lot by Forest Service Road 7601, which can be reached from Icicle Creek Road. Here’s how to find it: Drive Highway 2 to milepost 99, found on the western edge of the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. This is a rather small town but easy to find on the map. On both my joints and my mind. Easy plunge stepping down. You will need a high clearance, lifted vehicle to make it. The incline is challenging and walking poles are helpful. www.nimitpatel.com. The way leaves the parking lot and the trail meanders the valley. I went 11/8 and had nanospikes which helped tremendously. The Colchuck Lake trail is steady at first but picks up quickly. Check out my photos iked Mount Ellinor via the upper trailhead and the winter route up today, and the summer route down in beautiful bluebird conditions! Parking anywhere else along Road 7601 is not allowed. There are beautiful views of the lake -- with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising 3,000 feet above south end of lake. We plowed on determined to see the lake, and upon creating the final ridge and finding a good spot with a view, we were greeted by a frozen lake covered in snow. The parking lot is located at the very end of the gravel road. At first, the trail switchbacks gently, but the closer it gets to the lake, the steeper and rockier it gets. I used one hiking pole which with the spikes made the hike a lot better. Many people going uphill welcome the opportunity to pause and let a downhill person go first. 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. From the town, the trailhead to the Colchuck Lake hike is a 40-minute drive. Didn’t need spikes but poles were pretty critical on way down in this section. Unfortunately it rained the day of our hike. First of all - the gate to the trailhead closes on Monday 11/9 so if you don’t want to walk up the road and add those miles to an already difficult hike - this Sunday is your last chance! Toilets available at the trail head. Colchuck Lake is a magnificent color of blue (from glacial till) and offers great overnight camping. But it put us close to the Colchuck and Stuart Lake Trailheads for an early start on Sunday. "Gateway to the Enchantments." Turn left after 8.5 miles onto Forest Service Road #7601. 4.5 miles with 2,300 ft. elevation gain Starting at the Stuart Lake trailhead, we hiked in to our campsite at Colchuck Lake. I slept in the back of his truck in the open and, notably, cold air. The Colchuck Lake trailhead is located near the town of Leavenworth, Washington. There is only one trailhead for both hikes. 3.9 miles | 5,570' - 3,440' | 2,130' net elevation loss. Learn how to create your own. While the final ascent to the lake is steep and rough in places, Colchucks overall elevation gain of 2,300 feet makes its spectacular scenery accessible to hikers of almost any ability. On one hand, I would say if you’re a beginner, if you go in the summer you can definitely do it. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Past this, there is snow and ice as the road appears to be in the shade most of the day. 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). Here we crossed our first bridge and the trail starts to climb. 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. Trail is in decent condition though, very rocky and icy at some points. Carried axes and some MSR snowshoes just for extra weight. Stuart Lake and Colchuck Lake share the same trail for about 2 miles. We saw many post holes from a prior day - must have been a calorie, thigh-burning, suffer-fest. To find the trail from Leavenworth, take US2 from the western side of Leavenworth. It was intense and exhausting but well-worth it. I did this hike in July 2020 (as part of the Enchantments 23.6 miles from trailhead to 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. The winter route is in super condition. Many people don’t pay close attention to the signs and get lost this way! Made the way up much more manageable, much like driving up in our 4X4 rig with no slippage. 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. Took the "winter route" from Icicle Creek Road up to Colchuck Lake which adds 8 miles. Here, subalpine firs give way to larches, and the formal trail gives way to a rock-hopping route that eventually heads up Aasgard Pass. Started from Icicle Creek Road and headed on up to Colchuck Lake via the 'winter route' which adds 8 miles! If I’m not mistaken it is about 5 miles to the base of Aasgard and approximately 2500′ of elevation gain from the trail head. As stated below, road to trailhead closes on 11/9, and would add 8 (boring) miles to the total. Thankfully you have plenty of good options that are very close to the Snow Lakes Trailhead and the Stuart Lake Trailhead, which is popular for the Colchuck Lake route. The snow was icy, crunchy, and solid with proper traction. Saw many people fall, good hiking shoes recommended. 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