Colchuck Lake
Colchuck Lake is one of Washington’s most scenic alpine lakes in the Cascade Range. It's a popular hiking destination that provides hikers with their first taste of the well-known Enchantment area. The trail tracks a tranquil creek through a lush forest before ascending steeply towards Colchuck Peak, where the views of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak are spectacular. Though the final climb to the lake is moderately steep and challenging in ways, Colchuck's ultimate elevation gain of 2,300 feet renders the breathtaking scenery accessible to most hikers.
The hike begins at the Stuart Lake trailhead and takes you straight into the forests. The first mile and a half of the hike is a gradual stroll through the forests and is fairly simple and flat. The route crosses Mountaineer Creek on a resolute log bridge at the end of the first mile and a half. The trail steepens and becomes rockier after the bridge, giving you a glimpse of what's to come during the hike.
After three-quarters of a mile, the track flattens out and declines a little before approaching a trail junction. The road to Stuart Lake continues to the right while the Colchuck Lake Trail branches off to the left. Following the route to the left, you will come to another log bridge that will carry you over a narrow section of Mountaineer Creek after a short stretch in the forest.
Views of the valley you've just ascended out of open up at many points along the way, where first to the valley you've just ascended out of, then up to the toothy ridge of Dragontail Peak. The route jogs to the right after one final slope, drops into a shallow swale, and soon you're at one of the most magnificent lake views in the Cascades. This is a perfect spot to break for a bite to eat while admiring the views. Aasgard Pass, the remarkably steep shortcut to the Enchantments, is located to the left of Dragontail. The Colchuck Glacier remains to the right, as do the climbs of Colchuck Peak, with its real summit hidden behind rocky towers.
The route goes for another two-thirds of a mile toward the lakeshore, most rugged and challenging to navigate. The trek arrives at a rock field at the bottom of the Colchuck Glacier's terminal moraine after a small sequence of twists of ups and downs in the forest. The structured route provides a way to a rock-hopping trail that ultimately leads up Aasgard Pass, and subalpine firs give way to larches.
Location: Central Cascades, Leavenworth Area, WA
Directions: To get to the trailhead, drive onto Icicle Creek Road from US2 on the western side of Leavenworth. Then, turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601 after 8.4 miles. The Stuart Lake trailhead is 3.7 miles down an uneven, often potholed dirt track. The lot has parking for around 20-30 cars as well as a toilet. Remember that FR 7601 from Icicle Creek Road to the trailhead typically remains closed during parts of the winter. Google maps address here.
Activities: Hiking, Trail Running
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Distance: 8.4 miles roundtrip (4.2 miles one-way)
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
Best Time of Year: May - October
Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Allowed: No dogs allowed in Enchantments Area
Weather: Colchuck Lake
