The first glance you get rounding the corner to Colchuck Lake is an awe inspiring moment. It was much cooler and windy on this day, so we hung around the campsite, spending a lot of time at the smaller lake where it was warmer and out of the wind. And one of the most popular too! There are beautiful views of the lake -- with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising 3,000 feet above south end of lake. backpack in to campsite The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. Difficulty: Dayhike – Easy Backpacking – Moderate. (509) 664-9200, Chelan Ranger District If you have an overnight permit, make sure to print the parking pass and leave it on your dash before heading up the trail. Due to popular demand for overnight permits, a lottery is held annually. Colchuck Lake is also one of the starting points for reaching the Enchantment Lakes via Aasgard Pass. Pick a spot that looks nice and set up camp for the night. Colchuck Lake is one of the gateways into the Enchantments. Hiking to Colchuck Lake. Entiat, WA 98822 A northwest forest pass is required. Many great spots for swimming and snoozing. Campsites range in quality from Motel 6 to Waldorf Astoria, and we didn’t see them all. (509) 784-4700, Methow Valley Ranger District Alpine Lakes Wilderness encompasses approximately 394,000 acres accessed by 47 trailheads and 615 miles of trails. Parking is only allowed in the Eightmile and Stuart/Colchuck Trailhead Parking Lots. Northwest Forest Pass required. HIKE IT: Colchuck Lake. Turn left here and trail soon crosses Mountaineer Creek again on a log bridge. Sitting at the gateway to the Enchantments, as the slopes of Asgard Pass dive down into the glacial green waters of this beautiful lake. And one of the most popular too! I didn't think so. 1599) and dives right into the forest. Chelan, WA 98816 Feb 10, 2015 - Colchuck ranks as one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in all of Washington. But before joining the boot-… The last mile to Colchuck is much steeper, with a lot of rock steps. This beautiful and very popular 4-mile trail is accessed from Stuart Lake Trail #1599 which starts at Stuart Lake Trailhead (3400' elevation). And one of the most popular too! Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest On sunny days, the alpine water is deep blue in the shade and bright aquamarine in sunlight. Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=58717, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Regulations Booklet, Entiat - Lake Wenatchee Area: Upper Mad River Seasonal Trail Closure, Naches Area: Boulder Cave Trail / Day Use Site Closed, Pack and Saddle Stock Weed Free Feed Requirements, New Appeal Regulations for Special Use Authorizations. But definitely an effort to get to! by Lauren Braden on September 4, 2012. in Camping and Outdoors. The Stuart Zone is really only for camping when visiting Stuart Lake and not The Enchantments. Overnight camping in this area requires a permit from May 15 - October 31. Beginning 9/3/2019, No Parking signs will be installed on the Eightmile Road leading to the Stuart Lake trailhead. Camping at Colchuck Lake with... View High-Resolution Image. Alpine Lake Wilderness permit required. See Enchantment Lakes permit information. After fueling up the car and ourselves, we headed out of town toward the trailhead for Colchuck Lake. We decided to make this a camping trip - heading out of Seattle early on Saturday morning, we made it to Leavenworth by 9:00am and made the incredibly bumpy ride up the road to the Stuart Lake Trailhead (Colchuck shares the same trailhead and the trail splits a little ways into the hike). On sunny days, the alpine water is deep blue in the shade and bright aquamarine in sunlight. © 2021 I Heart Pacific Northwest / Yulan Studio, Inc. All rights reserved. This is because the views are absolutely beautiful, there is the optiojn to see wildlife, and it can be the first leg of one's journey to hike through the Enchantments (part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area). Cross the creek on a bridge and the next mile begins to ascend a little more steeply. Green Trails Map - #209S The Enchantments, USGS Map - Cashmere Mountain/Enchantment Lakes. Next to Stuart Lake, this has to be one of the most glorious day trips in the area. Day hikers do not need a permit, so the area can be quite crowded. At approximately 8.4 miles turn left on Forest Service Road 7601 (Bridge Creek Campground is near junction). There are parts of Washington so beautiful that they truly take your breath away. The 8-9 mile roundtrip hike was tiresome, but well worth it. Camping at Colchuck Lake. 600 Sherbourne I went the wrong direction after the bridge, scrambling on the boulders until I realized it wasn’t the trail, We made it! The water is so clear and mesmorizing. Colchuck Lake is also one of the starting points for reaching the Enchantment Lakes via Aasgard Pass. There are parts of Washington so beautiful that they truly take your breath away. Camping at Colchuck Lake If you plan to camp at the top, know that you must obtain a permit between May 15 to October 31. An overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31. The trailhead is easily found from the parking area. We stopped in Leavenworth for lunch before the long drive home (5.5 hours) back to Portland. Dogs whose sole purpose is to provide therapy, comfort, emotional support or crime deterrent DO NOT QUALIFY AS SERVICE DOGS under the regulation and are NOT ALLOWED. However, the views at the lake are well worth the effort. Colchuck Lake hike is the one you should be hiking if you have never hiked in this Eastern side of Washington. Cross the creek on a bridge and the next mile begins to ascend a little more steeply. But before joining the boot-… Day Passes can be purchased at trailhead, and pass must be displayed on dashboard of vehicle, even if parking on the road. Icicle Canyon near Leavenworth is such a treat in September after Labor Day. ^ we always take a photo of the trailhead area and a selfie in case we go missing, haha. And one of the most popular too! Dogs are prohibited on the Colchuck Lake trail. Watching the sunrise on isolation lake inside the Core Zone of The Enchantments. The Sapphire Lake In Washington That’s Devastatingly Gorgeous. Most are nestled amongst the trees and many are hidden. Can you resist the lure of Colchuck's sparkling cobalt waters? (509) 653-1401, Wenatchee River Ranger District These are self-issued at the trailhead. Beautiful Colchuk Lake is located not far from the Alpine village of Leavenworth. Colchuck Lake with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak. 24 West Chewuch Road And as gorgeous as the entire area is, Colchuck Lake is its crown jewel. The Enchantments, with its granite peaks, pristine lakes and jaw-dropping views, is definitely one of them. The parking area can be busy, as visitors access the Enchantments and Stuart Lake from this trailhead. Dogs, and all pets, are prohibited. Map showing recreational areas. Colchuck Lake is one of the more scenic day-hikes in the Enchantments. I didn't think so. 4.5 miles with 2,300 ft. elevation loss. Hiking and camping at Colchuck lake, Leavenworth, Washington, USA | May 2017 Music: https://soundcloud.com/freesongstouse/rolipso-jumble At dusk, we ran around to take photos of the sunset, then we stayed up late to see the stars, laying on top of a large rock slab for a better view. Any real difficulties for novice hikers? There are also campsites near north end of lake. This hike is challenging in that it is mostly up, and up, and up. Do we need a permit to hike? In the shadow of Mt. Length 9 miElevation gain 2283 ftRoute type Out & back 2108 Entiat Way HIKE IT: Colchuck Lake. Icicle Canyon near Leavenworth is such a treat in September after Labor Day. You are in the correct place. Jun 20, 2014 - Colchuck ranks as one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in all of Washington. Another alpine lake, Colchuck Lake is surrounded by mountains and lined with plenty of boulders to sit on and snack the afternoon away. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The trail continues along western shore of lake to access campsites and the route up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantments. Headquarters Share. Starting at the Stuart Lakes Trailhead, hike up a strenuous trail, ending at the pristine Colchuck Lake. Colchuck Lake is a hike best saved for cool and clear autumn days. The lakes are situated within the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, where visitors are privy to endlessly beautiful views of lakes, larch trees, snow-topped peaks, glaciers, and occasional goat sightings. I've heard it's a 9 mile round trip hike. The Colchuck Lake hike is undoubtedly one of the PNW’s best and is VFC’s favorite, aside from what sits beyond the lakes in the Enchantments. Snow Lake Zone Colchuck Lake Zone Stuart Lake Zone Eightmile/Caroline Zone View a map of the permit zones. This hike is rated as challenging, but you'll be awarded with beautiful scenery of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and the sight of two prominent spires: Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak. Here we crossed our first bridge and the trail starts to climb. 803 W. 2nd Street Most are nestled amongst the trees and many are hidden. Trailhead: From west end of Leavenworth on Highway 2, turn south on Icicle Road. Lake Colchuck, in the Leavenworth, WA area, has probably one of the most stunning backdrops of any alpine lake in Washington. This lake was a beaut. The last mile to Colchuck is much steeper, with a lot of rock steps. I've heard it's a 9 mile round trip hike. Can you resist the lure of Colchuck's sparkling cobalt waters? The name Alpine Lakes takes its origin from the nearly 700 small mountain lakes nestled like jewels among the high rocky … (509) 852-1100, Entiat Ranger District It is a larger cousin to the nearby fabled Enchantment Lakes and offers many of the same payoffs – including groves of larches on its far shore – but can be reached with less than half the effort. Distance: What we read: 8 mi roundtrip Our mileage: 12 miles roundtrip, including hiking around the lake. The area has several wonderful places to pitch a tent. Answer 1 of 12: Hello...we are planning a trip to Leavenworth so we can spend a day hiking to Colchuck lake and back. 10237 Highway 12 Camping at Colchuck Lake. The road will cut up steeply into the mountain for a few miles before you reach the trailhead for Stuart Lake. Part 35.136. 215 Melody Lane Designated hiker campsites at Colchuck Lake. The paved road turns into dirt and gravel and you first pass the Eightmile Lake trailhead and then arrive at the large parking lot for Colchuck Lake. The trail continues along western shore of lake to access campsites and the route up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantments. Print. Starting at the Stuart Lake trailhead, we hiked in to our campsite at Colchuck Lake. Mar 8, 2015 - Set beneath two of Washington’s tallest peaks, Colchuck Lake is an alpine gem. Sitting at the gateway to the Enchantments, as the slopes of Asgard Pass dive down into the glacial green waters of this beautiful lake. Colchuck Lake is nestled among some of the major Enchantment peaks, including Colchuck Balanced Rock, Dragontail Peak, and Colchuck … September 1, 2014 November 27, 2017 / kpetersmark. Colchuck Lake Trail #1599A An overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31. This was trip number five in a row of backpacking trips for me, and I’ve been having back, ankle and knee issues, so I hung out with another friend at the campsite all day while the rest of our friends went up Aasgard Pass to the Core Enchantments (2,000 ft. gain in one mile up a very steep slope with boulders and scree). A great way to add to your hike at Colchuck Lake is to stay overnight. The roundtrip covers 7.7 mi (12.39 km) with an elevation of 2,300 ft (701.04 m). Starting at the Stuart Lake trailhead, we hiked in to our campsite at Colchuck Lake. Colchuck lake. (509) 996-4000, Naches Ranger District There are beautiful views of the lake -- with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising 3,000 feet above south end of lake. Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. This trail is within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The campground is one mile from Lake Wenatchee, and 20 minutes from Leavenworth making it an ideal spot for camping … Parking for about 20-30 cars and a toilet are available in the lot. 14.5 km 4:57 h 1,316 m 1,309 m Park in the parking lot for the Stuart Lake Trail #1599. The hike starts out with an easy mile and a half, creek side walk through the forest. If you have any questions please call the Leavenworth Ranger Station at (509) 548-2550. Parking along FS Road 7601 is now allowed, but only on right side of road (going up). DOGS are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. Take a little bit of time to walk part way around the lake–you’ll find good viewpoints, pretty rock slabs to lounge on, swimming holes, and camping sites. Nason Creek Camping and Colchuck Lake. is now part of Colville National Forest, Snow Lakes Trail Closure Alert - Winter / Spring 2021. This beautiful and very popular 4-mile trail is accessed from Stuart Lake Trail #1599 which starts at Stuart Lake Trailhead (3400' elevation). Trail starts to climb this Eastern side of Washington ’ s has many great spots for swimming snoozing. Walk through the forest May and November of the High Sierra steep and rough for 1.5 miles on bridge. First 1.7 miles, the alpine Lakes Wilderness encompasses approximately 394,000 acres accessed by 47 and! Day hikers do not need a permit, so the area can be quite crowded appear right of! At Nason Creek Campground is near junction ) ) colchuck lake camping 2002 pic « next. 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