Colchuck Lake

Location: Central Cascades – Highway 2

Length: 8 miles roundtrip

Elevation: Gain/2280 ft. Highest/ 5580 ft.

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Time: 5.5 hours



This can't be real, right?

Directions: Enter Leavenworth from the west side and take an immediate right off of Highway2 onto Icicle Rd. and continue for about 8 miles. FR 7601 will be on the left where Bridge Creek Campground is signed. This is shortly after you pass Eight-Mile Campground and before you pass Johnny Creek Campground. The road will cut up steeply into the mountain for a few miles before you reach the trailhead for Stuart Lake. Never fear! You are in the correct place. Stuart Lake and Colchuck Lake share the same trail for about 2 miles. There is only one trailhead for both hikes.

This hike is the stuff of legends. The kind of picturesque Earth porn you find in destination magazines. Part of its magic was induced by hiking in 102 degree heat. So I imagine a half hour could be shaved off if hiking on a week day on a cooler September morning. Less breaks and less traffic. No matter how you do it, though, you GOTTA do it. Then get shitfaced back in town!

 

 

Ok, so the trail meanders gently through the forest and you are greeted by little creeks with adorable bridges. If you are lucky like we were, you’ll cross paths with pack-mules used to haul supplies by forest rangers. Magic, I tell you! The trail largely offers shady reprieve and cool breezes from the creeks even on the hottest of summer days. A junction occurs around the 2 mile mark, where signs point left for Colchuck Lake and straight (right) for Stuart Lake. You’ll have fewer crowds at Stuart Lake which looks to me like an equally fine destination. The trail opens up to a breezy valley just before you ascend the last bit and really work for your prize. The last mile or so packs some incline with large, rocky sections. It’s nothing too daunting, though. The lake finally reveals itself and offers plenty of places to sprawl out and take a dip. You will almost have an anxiety attack over deciding where to sit. You won’t believe how clear the water is, glittering like a jewel beneath the craggy, ominous Enchantments. The rocks just loom over Colchuck Glacier and the glassy water. Intense beauty!  

Camping here and in the backcountry beyond is strictly regulated, so do your research before flirting with building a fire or staying over. You must have a permit, with limited party size, and there is a restriction on your length of stay while Enchantment Zone is open from June 15-October 15. The trails multiply due to various lake viewing vantages, so tread carefully if proceeding up to Aasgard Pass.

Pretty little pack-mules!