It's only after crossing a bridge that the real difficulty begins! Follow the sometimes rough and steep dirt road 3.7 miles to Stuart Lake trailhead. Arrived around 8am and easily got a parking spot, We got to the trailhead at 7:20am on Friday morning. But great! If youre considering any hike in WA, this is the one to do! Pricing ranges $22-110. Bring $5 cash if you dont have the valid pass! Before you head up, this is a reminder to follow the Leave No Trace principles: Once youre on the trail, youll begin with an easy and gradual incline for the first mile and a half or so. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. None Experienced Media/Attachments Advanced Information Weather Summary Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy Temperature: Above freezingF Wind: Calm New/Recent Snowfall: Above 7000 ft we observed 2-4 inches of settled cold snow on shaded aspects. It is four miles to hike from Eight Mile Road to Colchuck Lake. If you only see it in peak season during July or August, youd never guess what secret the upper basin holds come October. Alligator Snapping Turtle vs Common Snapping Turtle. As a thru-hike, most people start at the Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead, for several reasons. To the left of Dragontail is Aasgard Pass, the climb that serves as the unbelievably steep shortcut to the Enchantments. Turn right onto this road and follow it until it dead-ends into the Stuart Lake Trailhead. [1]:7 The lake captures water runoff at the far southeast of a 3,800-acre drainage basin which gives the lake a high potential for refill, even during dry years. Turn right onto Highway 9 and continue east. The depth to the gate from the top of the concrete pedestal is approximately 16 feet (4.9m). The Colchuck Lake trail is challenging, I wont lie to you. Learn from my misadventure with the mosquitoes taking one for the team. The ranger told me they check on Saturdays. Follow the bumpy, sometimes potholed dirt road 3.7 miles to the Stuart Lake trailhead. Fish enthusiasts will find plenty of trout species in the lake, as well as other fish, including whitefish, kokanee salmon, and largemouth bass. Most people who hike to Colchuck Lake do not camp there. To gain access to this area, you'll need to obtain a permit from either the Leavenworth Ranger District Office or online. Colchuck Lake is truly a gem of a day hike. Formidable peaks reflected in Colchuck's icy emerald-blue waters make for a popular and crowded trail in the summer. It depends. Coming down is mostly moderate. The jagged peaks and passes surrounding the lake have mystical names like Dragontail and Aasgard Pass. Colchuck Lake. Colchuck Lake is a freshwater reservoir located on the western slope of the Enchantments. Check out the map below to see the full hike to Colchuck Lake: Download a GPX file for Colchuck Lake here. Besides sunscreen, hiking boots, what else would you recommend we bring? By bringing these items along with you on your visit to Colchuck Lake, youll be able to enjoy your time there to the fullest! . Immediately across the lake is the imposing massif of Dragontail Peak. It's a very popular destination in northern Washington and there's no question as to whether you'll see other people. Slow and gradual at first, steep for the last mile 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. Colchuck Lake is a freshwater reservoir lake located on the western slope of The Enchantments, in Chelan County, Washington.The lake is located approximately 15 miles from the city of Leavenworth, Washington and sits on the southeast corner of the Icicle Creek subbasin. On the way up, we stopped to give the kids snacks and water after each mile walked, and we spent some time at the lake. It could be clear of Snow by June, but it depends on the snowfall in that particular year (Im currently looking out my window in Seattle at heavy snow coming down) and the weather in the spring. [1]:32. First and foremost, bring plenty of food and water. This is a very convincing and helpful account of the spot thank you. Life is too short to start every hike the right way. Im so glad you found it helpful. Turn right onto this road and follow it until it dead-ends into the Stuart Lake Trailhead. If you scored an overnight camping permit, rather than stopping at the granite slab first it would be a good idea to find your temporary home. There are plenty of great places to stay in and around the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, ranging from big hotels to charming B&Bs. I hope you enjoy your time hiking the Colchuck Lake Trail happy hiking, my friends! But Im not one for small talk, so lets get to the good stuff! A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at this trailhead. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/colchuck-lake, https://www.wta.org/site_images/hikes/image.jpg-2/@@download/image/image.jpg, Speak up for Eightmile Lake in the Enchantments. The first part of the hike is easy and allows visitors glimpses of Mountaineer Creek, Colchuck Lakes primary outflow. Standing tall behind Colchuck Lake are Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak. Here youll find a wide variety of plant life, including old-growth Douglas fir, western hemlock, western white pine, grand fir, and western larch. Stunning hike all the way up. Unless you have a permit, from May 15th to October 31st, you can't camp around Colchuck Lake or in the surrounding wilderness. The parking lot is at the top of this road (so just drive till it dead ends). [1]:27-32 The gate allows for water discharge through the low-level outlet pipe to an unnamed creek, which flows into Mountaineer Creek, a tributary of Icicle Creek. We were surprised to find hordes of hikers on the trail. Heres the best hotels near Colchuck Lake: From Leavenworth, WA, follow US-2 West for 0.8 mile, then turn left onto Icicle Road for about 8.5 miles. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. Rain kept the crowds at nominal. Pricing varies by season. If you have the chance to do it as a day hike, DO IT. Keep tracing the lake shore toward Asgard and youll have 2/3 of a mile to explore the scattered campsites and choose one to call your own (assuming youre there EARLY enough). Trailhead Location Dog Friendly: No, strictly enforced Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass or a $5 day pass available at the parking lot Where does the hike start? My Apple Watch clocked me at 11.23! 3.7 mile dirt road to trailhead. Parking for about 40 cars and a toilet is available (no water). Colchuck Lake is a freshwater alpine lake located in Chelan Country, Washington in the middle of The Enchantmentsa famously beautiful area of the Central Cascades. As a result, we reached the top in two hours. Check out this 14.0-km out-and-back trail near Leavenworth, Washington. Colchuck Lake is a freshwater lake situated on the western side of The Enchantments, a region of the Central Cascades in Chelan County in the US State of Washington. Authorities have recovered from the backcountry the body of a climber killed in an avalanche on Colchuck Peak near Leavenworth last winter. National Forest: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District. Nicholas Smith / alltrails.com. The first thing you should know is that the parking for this hike is SUPER competitive, especially on weekends over the summer. Expected weather for Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake and Colchuck Lake Trail for the next 5 days is: Eight Mile to Icicle Creek via Natl Forest Rd 7601, Fourth of July Creek Trail to Icicle Ridge. Loge Riverside: Private cabins (2-person capacity) along the river with communal fire pits, grassy lawns, and an outdoor kitchen with a Traeger calling your name. The trail is very easy to follow as theres no confusing turnoffs. Wasnt as steep/challenging as i was expecting based on the reviews. Weather at Colchuck Lake reaches highs of around 70 degrees in the summer and around 40 in the winter. It took us about 7 hours (we had to park a half mile from the trailhead, so we hiked about 10 miles total). But you'll have to hike nearly 16 miles from that direction. But the one thing you learn quickly about living in the Pacific Northwest is that theres always 20 new hikes you need to check out, one more beautiful than the next. Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Here are some things to know. 10 Miles round trip witl lots of elevation gain. Turn left on Forest Service Road 7601 and take this till it dead ends at the trailhead. Did you know? Trails Hiked. The first mile and a half was a breeze! Hi Jake, mostly Friday Sunday, but I suggest starting early even on a weekday to avoid the inevitable crowds. Hello, thank you so much for you hiking blog! Recommend bug spray! Accessed by an eight-mile, out and back trail. Me too! It was such an enjoyable hike. Colchuck lake is located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State. Busy on a Sunday. Quick tip before we start: Remember that you + sunscreen = best friends (forever). [7][3] The trail to the lake consists of sandy loam the first half and boulders added in the second half of the trajectory. You need a permit if you want to camp in any of these zones: Due to the popularity of The Enchantments as a whole, the permit system was put into place to prevent the area from becoming overrun with thru-hikers. My best guess is that many folks use this parking lot for the Enchantments Loop. But overall a great day!! On our way back we were finally able to see the forest, and goodness what a treat. Lots of mosquitoes out - dont take too long of a break in the forest. trip reports for this trail. Your email address will not be published. The route is not as obvious, but as long as you turn right and climb through the rocks, youll find the trail again along the creek bank. But, visitors should keep in mind that these lakes, and all of the alpine lakes in this area, are created due to snow and ice melt from the surrounding peaks. Follow the trail to the left and after a short stretch in the trees, come to another log bridge that takes you across a narrow, turbulent section of Mountaineer Creek. Surrounding the lake, lining the base of Asgard Pass, and sprinkled amongst the evergreens are deciduous conifers. So remember to pack it before you leave the house. We turned around at the beginning of the lake so didnt go the whole trail. Got to the trailhead around right before 8am today, still a few spots available. After another log bridge and a huge field of large boulders, stay right and cross a creek. Location: Central Cascades, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington State. Please remember that there are no campfires allowed at this altitude. 209S map. Was 9.25 miles and took 7 hours with lunch and a swim at lake. The reflection was nuts! Otherwise you will need to (a) park far away and (b) get stuck in large crowds especially toward the top. Only participate in these activities if you are willing to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with these activities. Third, make sure to bring any necessary camping gear if you plan to stay overnight. 1. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area ranging from easy to strenuous. The 17 Best Hikes Near Seattle (Locals Guide), The Best Cozy Cabin Getaways in Washington State, The 15 Best Weekend Getaways from Seattle, A Weekend in Seattle: A Seattle Itinerary for First Timers, The Best Hikes in Mt. Colchuck Lake remains patchy with limited dry camping available. A lot of folks tried to get in close to dawn to secure a parking spot. Heres the only sunscreen I use. With its crystal clear waters and stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks, the hike is often regarded as one of the most scenic in America. Make sure to follow "Leave no Trace" principles while visiting Alpine Lakes Wilderness. You can also explore the surrounding forests on one of the many hiking trails in the area, with options for all skill levels. Colchuck Lake is home to Brook, bull, wet cutthroat, rainbow, and lake trout, among others. This trail shows the amazing beauty that is the Pacific NW. [1]:9, Colchuck Lake has an area of approximately 87.8 acres (0.355km2) and a maximum surface elevation of 5,570 feet above sea level, depending on the fluctuation of the depth of the lake. The first part of the hike takes visitors through a fairly dense forest that is part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area of Washington State. There were so many mosquitos - you'll need bug spray esp on hands/face/anywhere that's not covered (fyi I got destroyed). Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. Awesome hike! The trail eventually crosses over Mountaineer Creek about 1.5 miles from the trailhead by way of a wooden bridge. Bug spray is a must, bring lots of water and pack a rain jacket. Ocean Info is a website dedicated to spreading awareness about the ocean and exploring the depths of what covers two-thirds of Earth. For example, Eightmile Campground. To get a permit, you must enter a limited lottery system for the entire Enchantments area that runs early each year. Definitely recommend starting before 7am & downloading the map before since theres 0 signal out there, & insect repellent. But I hung around for ten minutes and some one came down and took their car! Was there at 6:10 am and got one of the last spots in the parking lot. The fact that you have to hike a hard nine miles into it makes the experience even more special. Archipelago Islands: A Cluster of Biodiverse Wonders. If youre unfamiliar with Leave No Trace, its a measure to be a good steward of the land. Location: Colchuck Lake Signs of Unstable Snow Recent Avalanches? Honestly, we regretted that 20 minutes in. Eventually, visitors reach a junction for both Stuart Lake and Colchuck Lake. Join the Newsletter: Get brand new travel guides sent directly to your inbox! The parking lot gets full by 9am. Permits are required to camp in the area around Colchuck Lake from May 15th-October 31st. The nearby Leavenworth area has plenty of activities, including shopping, dining, and attractions. The water is really calm here, so its a nice place to cool down and rest up if needed. The lake has a tributary basin of 941 acres (3.81km2) acres, and an average storage capacity estimated at 1,570 acre-feet. The lake is a popular destination for adventurers of all levels. Photo by Paul Kriloff. Visitors first pass through a reasonably deep forest that is a part of Washington State's Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. [1]:27, Colchuck Lake is contained by a masonry dam constructed in the late 1930s out of cement with a spillway opening at the center of the dam to control overflow. You can also fish in the neighboring Stuart Lake. The lake is situated at the base of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak in the Stuart Range, two of the most iconic peaks in the area. It's also possible to see the lake from the Snow Lakes trailhead. Horizons West / West Orlando, Winter Garden, FL. The trailhead is on Forest Service Road 7601, sometimes as FS road #7601 or as Mountaineer's Creek Road. In the Enchantments, nature has carved one of the magnificent places of this world--an alpine paradise of granite worn smooth by glaciers, larches manicured by wind and cold, and crystal blue lakes strung together by a creek that tumbles and thunders between them. Since it was pitch dark during our hike up, we took photos on the way back to give you a better idea of what to expect. Sauers Mountain Trail | Leavenworth, Washington. Both are located off Icicle Road. 100 would mean there's just 1 such person (and if the 100 are selected based on knowledge and care, maybe even that one doesn't get in). Seems like a lot of hikers start the Colchuck Lake trail shortly after 7am. If you look to the left of Dragontail Peak, you'll see the famous Aasgard Pass. This is why we contribute monthly to ocean saving charities. Location: Central Cascades, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington State. Definitely be sure to bring enough water & a snack! The heart of this wilderness area - the Enchantments - is accessed via a strenuous 19+ mile hike that is best done as a . The name Colchuck comes from the Chinook, meaning cold waters. (The name is shared with a nearby peak.) Being one of the state's most beautiful alpine lakes, the Colchuck Lake is surrounded by polished granite cliffs, tall craggy peaks, glaciers, and a forest. The whole river is lined with hardwoods and the golden theme continues. Youre almost guaranteed to see snow on the ground by November 1st in the fall and through the end of June in the summer. Get their early if you want a close spot on the weekend. Colchuck Lake in Washington State sits at an elevation of 5,574 ft and has a surface area of 87.8 acres. My mom (aged 55) did this hike last summer and loved it! Difficulty: Difficult. To avoid the WA-520 toll, cross Lake Washington further south on the I-90 bridge and make your way to I-405 North from there. Take Highway 207 north towards Leavenworth for approximately 12 miles until you reach Forest Road 7601. The property is situated 2.4 km from Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum, 4 km from Asahi Green Park and 6.4 km from Cormorant Shrine. If youre driving from Spokane, take Highway 2 east for about four and a half hours until you reach the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 207. Oh, and dont even get me started on Colchuck Lake itself, the turquoise water is spellbinding! Location: Colchuck Lake near Leavenworth, WA. The lake is situated at the base of, Colchuck Lake is at its most popular in summer, was put into place to prevent the area from becoming, Find more information about the permit system on. Yes, you can. Dispose of Waste Properly (If you brought it in, bring it out), Minimize Fire Impacts At Colchuck NO fires are allowed. I know its a pain, but arriving before 7am is the way to go with the Colchuck Lake hike. There were a couple of trees down across the trail, but it was easy to navigate . You can see in the photos that the water was very still (and clear). After that its all uphill! Its always best to be prepared for any situation you may come across. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Head down the huge granite slab to set up a station for breakfast or lunch, relaxation, and swimming. Get a deeper understanding of the oceans inhabitants with our comparison articles. Colchuck Lake is a haven for both flora and fauna. Yes Cracking? July and August are going to be a better bet for snow-free trails and warm days with crystal clear blue skies. Weather was fantastic. Visiting Lake Colchuck is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature. The trail is moderate for the first 1.75 miles, then the true climb begins which I would say is hard and akin to the stair climber (unless youre seasoned). A masonry dam that was built in the late 1930s to enclose Colchuck Lake has a spillway opening in the middle to manage overflow. km. Parking for about 20-30 cars and a toilet are available in the lot. From downtown Leavenworth, you will be turning left. The day started in full sun and once we got to the lake we were greeted by a thunderstorm. Consider this section the warm-up. Take Highway 207 north towards Leavenworth for approximately 12 miles until you reach Forest Road 1701. Colchuck Lake is a hugely popular hike. 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). Also watch out for the chipmunks - theyll try to grab your lunch if youre not looking. For a detailed guide on the hiking trails in Colchuck Lake, you may visit here. Set beneath two of Washingtons tallest peaks, Colchuck Lake is an alpine gem. Make sure to admire the views of Icicle Creek along the way. Definitely way longer than 8.8 miles. My poor boyfriend was eaten alive by mosquitoes the whole time. We didnt regret our decision to wake up so early for a second, especially since we had the whole lake to ourselves what a dream! Hope that helps! A trail leading up to Colchuck Lake, and the broader Enchantments region, begins here. Also definitely worth jumping into the lake so bring a swimsuit! For the next three miles to the lake, the terrain is rocky, the trail is often exposed, and the incline is . Pay attention at this step make sure to go right as soon as you get off the bridge. Moderate hike with occasional steep elevation. I was thinking about bringing my wife for her birthday late April since she loves to hike and saw that is the start of when it is best hiked, but we would be flying in for a few days. Self-issued Alpine Lake Wilderness permit is required for transit within the Colchuck Lake area.[12]. The trail will bank right, dip down, and then BAM! But, as locals will tell you, having your name drawn is a serious rarity. This is a very popular hike during the summer and fall months! Note from Matt & Alysha: This hike is one of our favorite hikes in Washington State. Colchuck is formed from glacial water that flows down from the peaks above it, meaning that it is often incredibly cold. Depending on the lake's depth, it has a maximum elevation of 1,699 m above sea level and a surface area of around 0.35 sq. Lots of pikas, chipmunks and a deer friend at the lake who wanted my lunch. It goes without saying that we would never recommend something we wouldnt use or do ourselves. For more information, please visit. What's the Best Time to Visit Colchuck Lake? Still plenty of spots to park in the parking lot. The pass can be purchased atNational Forest offices. Asgard Pass is to the left. There was not much mud but please do carry a bug spray to save yourselves from mosquitoes near the lake. Bring insect repellent during summer months and a light rain jacket regardless of the season. Colchuck Lake is a freshwater reservoir lake located on the western slope of The Enchantments, in Chelan County, Washington. Occasional breaks in the trees offer glimpses of the steep walls of the valley. Not much strenuous if you are a regular hiker. The reservoir is contained by a small dam consisting of a rock and masonry structure with stop logs and an earthen embankment section that extends from the rock-masonry/concrete structure to the hillside north of the dam. what a treat to see this in the outerhouse ;-) About 4 miles of gravel road to the Stuart Lake trailhead was rough but passable with any car if you drive slowly. This is where the road turns bumpy. Complete the mandatory (FREE) wilderness permit at the trailhead. The state park centers around the eastern bank of this five-mile-long lake. Pack some light snacks, lunch, and plenty of fluids. In order to make sure you have the most enjoyable experience, there are a few items that you should bring with you. Road here is ok for 24 ft RV. Don't forget, this is an out-and-back trail, not a loop! The Colchuck Lake trail. Continue down the well marked trail and soon youll notice a bridge that crosses the creek. The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. Due to popular demand for overnight permits. It was psyching me out! These are located at the far end of the parking lot next to the trail signs. To the east, atop Mount Yashima, Yashima-ji Temple offers panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea. 2. Geologically, Colchuck Lake is located within a "cirque," a glacier valley's summit where high cliffs form a bowl-shaped basin. But, visitors should keep in mind that it is a full four miles back to the trailhead as well. Took us 7 hrs to complete. Referred to as a "pioneer species", subalpine larches do well in rocky areas where vegetation is limited as well as areas that have seen fire or avalanches. OceanAnimals and PlantsExplorationComparisonsListiclesLakes, The First Ship to Circumnavigate the Globe The Crazy Truth. The best way to access Colchuck Lake is by parking at the Stuart Lake trailhead and hiking for 4.5 miles. These lakes are formed from snow and ice runoff, meaning that the water is incredibly cold all year long. Colchuck Lake and the surrounding Enchantments area are known for being slightly drier and drier earlier than the rest of the Cascade Mountain range. My Apple Watch measured 16.5kms, lot more than written in AllTrails. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District charges a fee to enter. We got there at 9:30, parked just outside the lot, and got back around 4 (spend 1.5 hrs at the lake). -THIS TRAIL IS 11.2 MILES not 8 like it says here on all trails. Colchuck Lake Trail quickly leads straight into a lush green forest. There is a $5 parking fee. Parking is $5 per vehicle/per day. Rainier National Park, A Complete Olympic National Park Itinerary, How to Plan a Perfect North Cascades National Park Itinerary, Leavenworth, WA at the Stuart Lake Trailhead, The trailhead is about 35 minutes from downtown Leavenworth, Slow and gradual at first, steep for the last mile, Switchbacks, steps, exposed roots, and rocks, A jewel in the Cascades the perfect alpine lake surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, Bonus: a seriously regal toilet experience at the top. Witnessed a helicopter recovering the last body from the Feb. 19th avalanche. If the lot seems full when you arrive, its still worth doing a cheeky lap because spots start to open up as the early starters finish. Its ALL uphill. Colchuck Lake, or Lake Colchuck, is a breathtakingly beautiful and secluded lake located in the heart of the North Cascade Mountains.
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