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Leavenworth Area Hiking

Colchuck Lake Trail

Parent Category: Hiking
in Leavenworth Area
Created: 19 January 2016
Location: Central Cascades Region, Leavenworth Area
Roundtrip: 8 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 3380 feet
Highest Point: 5580 feet
GPS Coordinates: N 47 31.668 W -121 10.739
Visitor’s Information:

Northwest Forest Pass Required

Pictures below will take you on a virtual tour along a lovely trail leading to Colchuck Lake. Enjoy the beauty of an amazing lake!

Photo from the Colchuck Lake Trail, Central Cascades Region, Leavenworth Area
General Information:

Central Cascades can be explored by numerous trails meandering through majestic mountains and lovely valleys, opening the unbelievable beauty of the region for the hikers. But the most gorgeous and breathtaking view you will find at the elevation of 5500 feet. And this is the view of Colchuck Lake – a fascinating alpine lake with Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks rising above it like fairy-tale giant twins, guarding their precious jewel. If you saw this enchanting sight at least once, you will never forget it, and will constantly fight the desire to come again and again back here.

The route to Colchuck Lake starts as an easy amble at the Stuart Lake Trailhead, and first 2,5 miles (until the junction with the Colchuck Lake Trail) it follows the Stuart Lake Trail #1599. The first part of the trail (about 1,5 miles) runs through the forest, ascending quite gradually while following Mountaineer Creek, the sound of which you may hear from time to time. In approximately one and a half miles you will reach a log footbridge across the creek. 

Photo from the Colchuck Lake Trail, Central Cascades Region, Leavenworth Area

After crossing the bridge you will notice that the ascending grade became a little bit steeper. Be careful while walking along this part of the trail as there are quite many rocks and exposed tree roots on the path. 

It will take you a little less than a mile to get to the trail junction where you should turn left to follow the Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1. If you continue following the trail going straight forward you will reach Lake Stuart, another admirable destination of the area. 

Very soon after passing the trail junction you will see another log footbridge across the creek, which you will need to cross one more time. Be careful making your way through the huge boulders on the other side of the creek.

Photo from the Colchuck Lake Trail, Central Cascades Region, Leavenworth Area

From this part of the trail the easy amble is finished and the real hike starts as the steep ascent of the trail with the rocks scattered along it will be quite a challenge demanding some good efforts. But the payoff at the end will be really priceless! During your final climb do not forget to enjoy the sweeping views of glorious Mount Stuart.

Photo from the Colchuck Lake Trail, Central Cascades Region, Leavenworth Area

In approximately 1,5 miles you will finally see the enchanting turquoise waters of Colchuck Lake as you reach the north shore of this exquisite alpine lake. If you look south you will be able to admire the breathtaking views of Dragontail Peak (which is the left one) and Colchuck Peak (the right one). On the left side of Dragontail Peak the Aasgard Pass is located, leading to the extremely popular Enchantments. 

The Colchuck Lake Trail runs along the western lakeshore leading the hikers to Aasgarв Pass.

There are quite many campsites around the lake, but you need to remember that for camping here you will need an overnight permit from June, 15th to October, 15th.

The dogs are not allowed on the trail and near the lake. 

 

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://beautifulwashington.com/central-cascades/hiking/leavenworth-area/485-colchuck-lake-trail.html#sigProIdcf0f448095

These pictures were taken in October, 2013

Driving Directions:

Drive on US2 going west through the city of Leavenworth till the end of the city, where you need to turn left to Icicle Road. After approximately 8,4 miles of following the Icicle Road take the left turn on Forest Service Road 7601. Drive 3,7 miles along this dirt road and you will reach the Stuart Lake trailhead. There is a parking lot for 30-40 cars at the trailhead, as well as a toilet. But there is no water sources there.

GPS Coordinates:  N 47 31.668 W -121 10.739

In order to get directions click on the map below:

 

 

 

Photo: Roman Khomlyak

Photo Editing: Juliana Voitsikhovska

Information: Svetlana Baranova

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