The lake has a very healthy population of gorgeous cutthroat trout. Colchuck Lake with a view of Dragon Tail Peak and Aasgard Pass. This large, striking lake is set below Dragontail Peak and Aasgard Pass in the heart of the Stuart Range and Enchantments Lakes Basin.. The trail continues past Colchuck Luck up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantment Lakes if you choose to extend your 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! 6-12-04 No Dogs are allowed on the trail and no fires are allowed at either lake. The trail to the lake is well marked and well used. Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake Trail is a 9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Leavenworth, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Arriving at Colchuck Col, the sweeping views of the Teanaway to the south are revealed and it's breathtaking. The road becomes bare and very drivable. Stuart Lake is at 5600 feet elevation in the Enchantment Mountain range. We ended up snowshoeing down with the last 6 miles in the dark with the moon illuminating the snow here and there. Colchuck Lake is a great area to camp when climbing in the Colchuck-Dragontail Peak area. Always stunning. We can also serve the Pacific Crest Trail at Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, or Trinity. And since summer is quickly fading into fall, now is the time to get out and enjoy it. Elevation gain made me a little lightheaded going up but it wasn’t too bad. Tiene un lago y es calificado como difícil. Very few people at Stuart Lake. parking is limited and was almost full when we arrived around 720am on a weekday Conditions were good and the snow was packed enough to need only micro-spikes for the way up. Looking down felt like a high dive as we watched the sparkling turquoise waters of Colchuck Lake shrink farther and farther beneath us. After a series of rocky switch backs you will reach the trail junction for Stuart, and Colchuck lakes. you complete an envelope with your license plate and insert $5 cash to park. The trail was full of large boulders, rocks and the incline instant! We saw lots of chipmunks and no mosquitoes, thankfully. The parking area can be busy, as visitors access the Enchantments and Stuart Lake from this trailhead. This alpine lake is accompanied by the twin spires of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak at the far end of the lake. You pay at the trail head. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. We knew we wanted to arrive at sunrise, so after some hiking time estimates and driving times, we realized we had a shocking 12:30 am wakeup call ahead of us. The trail was in good condition but icy for the last 1-1.5 miles to the top. The elevation gain to Lake Stuart is 1700 feet, but spread out over 5 miles, it really is not a very tough hike. Colchuck Lake by Samanthazon. If you have a decent 4X4/AWD, don't let this deter you. Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake Trail es un sendero de ida y vuelta de 14.5 kilómetros con tráfico pesado localizado cerca de Leavenworth, Washington. Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. w After a bit I headed back down the trail to the car. Truly beautiful. Note: The road leading to the trailhead may be closed during the winter and will add 8 miles to your overall trip. Totally doable with good hiking boots. There were several people coming from the lake asking if I was heading to the Enchantments - they took a wrong turn. A magical day. Most of the camp sites are on the left side of the lake (west). Overly populated, so keep that in mind before trekking- not everyone will be following the mask guidelines. Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. You will have a few areas with views perfect for photo opportunities on your way to the lake. Luckily I found a spot and was on the trail within minutes. However, the views at the lake are well worth the effort. Many great spots for swimming and … The lake was completely snow covered, frozen and arctic-like. There is a second sturdy (although slightly sloping) log bridge shortly after the turnoff. Honestly, I am shocked, amazed, and impressed at how some people get up, but they do. Next to Stuart Lake, this has to be one of the most glorious day trips in the area. I hiked upon a huge flat rock and had lunch there. Also, at this time of year the mosquitos were relentless - even with bug spray. Parking is only allowed in the Eightmile and Stuart/Colchuck Trailhead Parking Lots. For a good part of the hike the trail follows Mountaineer Creek, which flows out of Stuart Lake. This alpine lake is accompanied by the twin spires of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak at the far end of the lake. Colchuck Lake has been calling my name for over a year now and let me tell you, finally getting up there was an incredible journey! Heading back to hike up Colchuck Lake the trail was immediately different than Stuart Lake. Colchuck Lake is gorgeous and has a jaw-dropping scenery with jagged peaks surrounded. Are you visiting Leavenworth WA and looking for the perfect hike? A northwest forest pass is required. All around, it was a great hike! That was the only bummerl. From milepost 99 on US 2, on the western end of Leavenworth, follow the paved Icicle Creek Road (Forest Road 76) for 8.4 miles, turn left onto Eightmile Road (FR 7601). www.nimitpatel.com. It's 8.0 miles round trip to Colchuck Lake, with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Heading out of the TH parking lot was long and slow. Mount Stuart rises above you at the southwest end of the lake with Sherpa Peak to its east. Colchuck Lake; Pretty cold out there. being a water filter- plenty of water sources The winter route is in super condition. A couple trees down along the way but pretty simple to get by. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. 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. The road in was paced, compact snow and ice but manageable for most cars, even 2 wheel drive - however, I expect after last night's storms road and route condition have already changed drastically, as Blewett and Snoqualmie pass both had a lot of snow as we drove home. After the walk through the woods, you will cross the creek on a bridge before beginning the first real incline of the hike. Colchuk Lake - 9.4 Miles Round-Trip Colchuk Lake (5,570') is located 4.7 miles from Stuart Lake Trailhead in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 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. Arrived at parking lot at 9:30am and it is easy to find parking, perhaps due to the rain in the morning. I really started to struggle towards the end. Different, but still very beautiful and quiet. Not an easy one, definitely helps to be somewhat physically fit. I was stoked to hike to see Colchuck for myself and I dragged my family members with me. It was COLD! Cold, wear layers of sweaters. The center snow pile is difficult to clear. you'll also need to register your guests in case anyone gets lost Great fishing in this lake. 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. We opted for summer climbing boots and 12 points. You make wish to make a side trip up to Colchuck Lake, but do know that this hike is strenuous, but the payoff is worth it. I had to put on my thermal to keep warm. You will stay to the right after crossing the bridge, and walk along the creek before your next big push uphill. I must have blocked out all the difficult parts lol. The trail was a challenge but well worth it. It was really beautiful and also interesting to see the various campsites and campers. Mt. A true alpine lake wonderland, the Colchuck Lake Trail spans 8 miles, and the views are endlessly beautiful. NW Forest pass is required. The Colchuck Lake hike has been on our Pacific Northwest Bucket List ever since we could remember, so we were almost too excited to sleep when we finally decided to do it. Layer up and bring a hat/gloves as it gets pretty chilly on top. Trail is in good condition except some part has water but not hard to pass with hiking shoes. I didn’t mind though- love this trail. All the fresh powder made it a little difficult to find the trail but it didn't take long to get back on track. Initially, past the hairpin turn, it looked dicey, but becomes bare and wet for at least half the road. Cold, frozen, icy and packed. I was a bit discouraged with the amount of human waste and evidence of people (as you near the lake and overnight backpackers). Good hiking boots helped and for me micro spikes were not needed. Hiked this on 11/8 with a group of athletic 20-somethings. Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. Do wear gaiters for the occasional posthole or tree well. I slipped multiple times, even as a self-proclaimed avid hiker. The road to the trail was very rough at points, but we made it to the trail head without any issues. Road Beta: Snow free to lower TH. Slippery due to ice patches throughout the trail. Most day trippers will head up to Colchuck Lake, leaving you with the less crowded trip to Lake Stuart. 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. Failure to have a permit will result in you being fined and asked to leave by the rangers. Saw a lot of people wearing micro spikes. Take I-90 and head east over Snoqualmie Pass to Cle Elum, taking the exit to Wenatchee & Blewett Pass via 970 and then US highway 97. great views! The scenery was an absolutely gorgeous winter wonderland. Otherwise, just take it slow. Colchuck lake. Trail is in decent condition though, very rocky and icy at some points. During the summer months we run trailhead shuttles almost daily up Icicle Road servicing Stuart Lake, Snow Lakes, Eight mile, and other locations. There are campsites on both the west side and the south end of the lake. Looking forward to hiking this again next summer! Just take your time. Argonaut Peak rises in front of you to the south. Right before the Colchuck trail departed from the creek we decided to fish it, with good results. (Seems obvious but we noticed many others were a bit under prepared). I hit the start of this at 3:30 in the am, so most of my hike was done in the dark with headlamps. The snow covered everything and the environment was so different compared to my previous two hikes up Colchuck this past summer. Length 9 miElevation gain 2283 ftRoute type Out & back It’s about 9 miles and I’ve never hiked with this significant elevation change. The University of Michigan Saginaw Forest is an 80-acre woods with over 3 miles of trails and Third Sister 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. Had the trail and the lake all to ourselves. You need a special ($$) permit to camp there after June 15th but what a great place to camp. Although this trail is one of my favorite hikes, the road was closed for the winter when you first turn off of Icicle Rd. Enchantment Area Wilderness Permits Trail Map | Photo Gallery. Beautiful! Upon arriving, Lake Stuart opened up into a spectacular lake shimmering with the morning sun. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. I will do this one again for sure but in daylight. • Trail Rating: Medium / Difficult • New Trail: 8 miles total, 2280 ft. elevation gain • Trail Access: Late Spring through Late Fall The incline is challenging and walking poles are helpful. Stuart is hidden in the cloud most of the time. Absolutely beautiful bike. Cold, so multi layers help. The snow was icy, crunchy, and solid with proper traction. Started hike at 9:15am, temp was 27 degrees. big flat rocks are all around the lake so you can find a peaceful or secluded spot for you and your group which is really what makes the peak amazing not a lot of people! Didn’t need spikes but poles were pretty critical on way down in this section. Hiked on 11/8. Went Nov 1st. I honestly felt great on the way up - perhaps the adrenaline of seeing the lake. Took the "winter route" from Icicle Creek Road up to Colchuck Lake which adds 8 miles. 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