Poles and spikes are not NEEDED, but probably helpful in some sections. 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. Many layers and gloves highly recommended. At about 1.75 miles (elev. Leavenworth is quirky little town filled with Bavarian facades—very touristy. Hiked this on 11/8 with a group of athletic 20-somethings. 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. In summer, cars fill not only the trailhead parking lot, but the road leading to it. You can read about the trail conditions and other people’s reviews, pretty up to date, here. Follow the potholed dirt road 3.7 miles to the Stuart Lake trailhead. This is by far the hardest hike I ever did. Conditions were good and the snow was packed enough to need only micro-spikes for the way up. You’ll want at least one liter or more. The first glance you get rounding the corner to Colchuck Lake is an awe inspiring moment. 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. Views are incredible! 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. This is a compacted dirt and gravel road that is suitable for standard cars. The winter route is in super condition. Total time 11 hours C2C. The parking area can be busy, as visitors access the Enchantments and Stuart Lake from this trailhead. The lake was completely snow covered, frozen and arctic-like. Went Nov 1st. Truly beautiful. I did this hike in July 2020 (as part of the Enchantments 23.6 miles from trailhead to trailhead). The last pic shows the road condition just below the upper TH. Make sure to turn LEFT at the fork to Colchuck since going straight will lead you to Stuart Lake. Colchuck Lake was the destination I wanted to spend my birthday. A short spur takes off left .1 mile to a small lagoon on Colchuck’s south end where breathtaking views of the backdrop spires Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks can be enjoyed. Sadly Forest Road 7601 was closed when we tried to go today (11/12) may be closed for the season. I was really looking forward to seeing Colchuck Lake, with its green coloring, against the snowy backdrop, but alas, that was not to be. Looking forward to hiking this again next summer! 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). Enjoy the scenery and stop bitchin ladies! Here’s how to find it: Drive Highway 2 to milepost 99, found on the western edge of the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. At the end of this first mile and a half, the trail crosses to the right bank of Mountaineer Creek on a sturdy log bridge. We opted for summer climbing boots and 12 points. 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. Toilets available at the trail head. I really started to struggle towards the end. Although this trail is one of my favorite hikes, the road was closed for the winter when you first turn off of Icicle Rd. Cross another bridge and continue .7 miles to the cul-de sac parking area and trailhead for Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake. 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. 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. I slipped multiple times, even as a self-proclaimed avid hiker. 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. 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. 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)! Made the way up much more manageable, much like driving up in our 4X4 rig with no slippage. 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. Trailhead to Colchuck Lake. 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. 1599) and dives right into the forest. 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. Initially, past the hairpin turn, it looked dicey, but becomes bare and wet for at least half the road. The trip to the lake is just under 4 mi (6.44 km). Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. Unfortunately it rained the day of our hike. 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 kind of picturesque Earth porn you find in destination magazines. This glacier melt lake is a tucked away gem within with the Enchantments trail. The 8-9 mile roundtrip hike was tiresome, but well worth it. 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. 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. A magical day. Layer up and bring a hat/gloves as it gets pretty chilly on top. The view of the lake is definitely worth it. Here, subalpine firs give way to larches, and the formal trail gives way to a rock-hopping route that eventually heads up Aasgard Pass. Drive beware. It was intense and exhausting but well-worth it. Also many parts of the trail are wide so no one needs to stop at all. The first part of the trail follows a creek for about one mile to a log footbridge. On July 2nd we headed to Colchuck Lake near Leavenworth. The trail continues along western shore of lake to access campsites and the route up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantments. Bring the 10 essentials. Begin on the Stuart La… You can replenish water in the creeks or lake, but be sure to filter or treat before drinking. Park at the Stuart Lake trailhead. If you can, head to Leavenworth the night before and spend the night or camp. One of the best hikes here in autumn is Colchuck Lake. The Leavenworth area has numerous hikes, but Colchuck Lake hike is one of the two gateways to the famous Enchantments goo.gl/fodFj2. 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. To hike to Colchuck Lake, you’ll want to start at the Stuart Lake trailhead and parking area. On both my joints and my mind. 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 will have a few areas with views perfect for photo opportunities on your way to the lake. Start early to finish before dark. You will need to turn off of US2 onto Icicle Road. How to Find Colchuck Lake : To hike to Colchuck Lake, you’ll want to start at the Stuart Lake trailhead and parking area. However, an SUV will make this drive easier, since it is rutted in some places. Once you reach Colchuck lake, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the blue/green lake with the peaks towering behind it. Our group of 9 friends started around 7:00 a.m. and made it back to the vehicles around 10:00 p.m.. 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. The trip to the lake is just under 4 mi (6.44 km). Hiked 11/7. I slept in the back of his truck in the open and, notably, cold air. Do wear gaiters for the occasional posthole or tree well. I honestly felt great on the way up - perhaps the adrenaline of seeing the lake. From the north, the peak is approached via the Colchuck Lake Trail and / or the Stuart Lake Trail reached from Leavenworth, WA. The trail continues past Colchuck Luck up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantment Lakes if you choose to extend your hike. The road was frozen and slick in the AM, and a Ford Pickup was in the ditch past the lower TH. It’s much colder than 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. Seattle, WA 98104. A gorgeous day at Colchuck Lake. The 8-9 mile roundtrip hike was tiresome, but well worth it. A little slower of a start than we anticipated, but early enough not to fret. After climbing a quick 1,100 ft from the valley base, you'll reach Colchuck Lake. I was a bit discouraged with the amount of human waste and evidence of people (as you near the lake and overnight backpackers). 4000ft) the trail crosses the creek on an spectacular log bridge spanning deep pools of water on large boulders. The parking lot is located at the very end of the gravel road. There are beautiful views of the lake -- with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising 3,000 feet above south end of lake. The first part of this trail follows the Stuart Lake Trail before branching off to the left. At the trailhead. Looking forward to go again in the summer. Travel down Icicle Road for 8.4 miles until you reach Forest Road 7601. This final segment drops quickly from Colchuck Lake on rugged, eroded terrain that gradually moderates along Mountaineer Creek to the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is reached. The Colchuck Lake trailhead is located near the town of Leavenworth, Washington. At 2.2 miles take a left at the junction with the Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1. A northwest forest pass is required. In summer, cars fill not only the trailhead parking lot, but the road leading to it. NW Forest pass is required. 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. If you’re kind of in the middle like me, you’ll also be fine! At the time in august it was perfect, the trail condition was a great intro to what is now what I consider my favorite alpine forest I’ve hiked into since being in Washington. My advice - aggressive microspikes and poles at a minimum. However, the way back was difficult for me. We saw many post holes from a prior day - must have been a calorie, thigh-burning, suffer-fest. The trail was in good condition but icy for the last 1-1.5 miles to the top. Some folks had microspikes, some shared a single pair, saw some cool short snowshoes, and one or two somehow scrambling up in only boots. On one hand, I would say if you’re a beginner, if you go in the summer you can definitely do it. 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. After the bridge the trail begins to climb, switchbacking its way up to a junction at 2.5 miles. Occasional breaks in the trees offer glimpses of the steep walls of the valley. Begin on the Stuart Lake Trail #1599. As stated below, road to trailhead closes on 11/9, and would add 8 (boring) miles to the total. 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. Elevation gain made me a little lightheaded going up but it wasn’t too bad. Turn south onto Icicle Creek Road, which is well maintained for the most part. As you get closer to the lake, you can see a sign of a pit toilet. Be sure to pack extra layers for the lake. 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. We used poles all the way up. Otherwise, just take it slow. This alpine lake is accompanied by the twin spires of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak at the far end of the lake. Answer 1 of 12: Hello...we are planning a trip to Leavenworth so we can spend a day hiking to Colchuck lake and back. 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. Our group of 9 friends started around 7:00 a.m. and made it back to the vehicles around 10:00 p.m.. A Subaru with MaxxBoards was parked about 3/4 of the way up the road, and a Honda Pilot reversed down the road as I never saw it parked. Colchuck Lake is truly a gem of a day hike. 17 miles, 3850 feet of gain. Another great hike with the 40+ Meetup group. Hiked on 11/8. It might have been closer to… Some people enjoy a fast hike and some slow. Head left and and continue on the Colchuck Lake trail until you come across another log bridge. Slippery due to ice patches throughout the trail. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association You will need to turn off of US2 onto Icicle Road. Douglas S. 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