This hike is challenging in that it is mostly up, and up, and up. The parking area can be busy, as visitors access the Enchantments and Stuart Lake from this trailhead. This trail is within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Designated hiker campsites at Colchuck Lake. Distance: What we read: 8 mi roundtrip Our mileage: 12 miles roundtrip, including hiking around the lake. Designated hiker campsites at Colchuck Lake. Colchuck Glacier is to the right. Part 35.136. Entiat, WA 98822 Wilderness Trail: Non-motorized, no bicycles. Colchuck lake. Aasgard Pass is to the left of Dragontail Peak. DOGS are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. (509) 548-2550, Tonasket Ranger District 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. There are also campsites near north end of lake. (509) 682-4900, Cle Elum Ranger District Many great spots for swimming and snoozing. I slept very well in my tent and woke up refreshed and eager to get along the trail. Even at 7 am, the parking lot was nearly full. My daughter and I felt that we needed to give… On sunny days, the alpine water is deep blue in the shade and bright aquamarine in … For vehicles parking on road or in parking area -- a NW Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass or the Overnight Visitor Parking Pass that comes with Enchantments overnight permit must be on display on your vehicle’s dashboard. Here we crossed our first bridge and the trail starts to climb. 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. Elevation: 5,580 feet (2,280ft of elevation gain) Weather: Warm and sunny Dogs, and all pets, are prohibited, except for Service Dogs as defined by Department of Justice regulations 28 C.F.R. For the first 1.7 miles, the hike is relatively easy with rolling hills and about 600 feet of elevation. Overnight camping in this area requires a permit from May 15 - October 31. Naches, WA 98937 803 W. 2nd Street Even though the temperatures were forecast to reach 86 degrees in Leavenworth, much of the trail was shaded and much cooler, very comfortable. Day hikers are encouraged to park on the road or in the island of parking area. To get into the Enchantment Lakes Core Zone, you can either depart via the Snow Lakes Trail, which is roughly 10 miles in one-way and 5,830 feet of elevation gain, or you can make this more direct trek via Colchuck Lake, which is roughly 3 miles shorter one-way with a trailhead located 1,500 feet higher. (509) 548-2550, Tonasket Ranger District See Enchantment Lakes permit information. Wenatchee, WA 98801 Elvin R. Johnson, Norma Johnson, William A. Dogs whose sole purpose is to provide therapy, comfort, emotional support or crime deterrent do not qualify as service dogs. 4000ft) the trail crosses the creek on an spectacular log bridge spanning deep pools of water on large boulders. Part 35.136. This alpine lake is accompanied by the twin spires of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak at the far end of the lake. These are self-issued at the trailhead. DOGS are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. Date & Duration: August 14, 2017, about 5.5 hours total hike time. DRONES ARE PROHIBITED IN ALL WILDERNESS AREAS DOGS ARE PROHIBITED. Colchuck Lake Trail begins at Stuart Lake trailhead and parking lot by Forest Service Road 7601, which can be reached from Icicle Creek Road. Wenatchee, WA 98801 There are campsites all along the Colchuck lake shore, but be aware that camping here is managed under the same strict regime as the core enchantment zone. If you are planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, Colchuck Lake and Leavenworth is arguably one of the most beautiful and Best Kept Secrets in Washington! Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Leave designated overnight parking for permit holders. Follow the sometimes rough and steep dirt road 3.7 miles to Stuart Lake trailhead. Naches, WA 98937 Map showing recreational areas. This beautiful and very popular 4-mile trail is accessed from Stuart Lake Trail #1599 which starts at Stuart Lake Trailhead (3400' elevation). Colchuck Lake And of course, the fun of sharing a wonderful day in the mountains with old friends. is now part of Colville National Forest. Leavenworth, WA 98826 428 W. Woodin Avenue An overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31. Part 35.136. Colchuck Lake is truly a gem of a day hike. (509) 653-1401, Wenatchee River Ranger District First though: freshly … This is exactly what we did – and our friends Kevin , Cameron , and Tessa joined us for an unforgettable sunrise hike. 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/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=58717&actid=50, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Regulations Booklet, Entiat - Lake Wenatchee Area: Upper Mad River Seasonal Trail Closure, Naches Area: Boulder Cave Trail / Day Use Site Closed. Camping at Colchuck Lake. The trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek and crosses creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge. Hiking to Colchuck Lake. Trailhead: From west end of Leavenworth on Highway 2, turn south on Icicle Road. Long and Kathy Long made the first recorde… Consider carpooling, riding a bike or have someone shuttle you to the trailheads to further reduce impacts and overcrowding. The easiest routes are scrambles from the south and / or the Colchuck Col at the top of the Colchuck Glacier to the east. Green Trails Map - #209S The Enchantments, USGS Map - Cashmere Mountain/Enchantment Lakes. Winthrop, WA 98862 Colchuck Lake is also one of the starting points for reaching the Enchantment Lakes via Aasgard Pass. Suddenly, laid out beneath your feet are the icy waters of the lake-deep blue in the shade, bright aquamarine in sunlight-while high above you at the far end of the lake, the twin spires of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks seem to crowd out the very sky. Overnight camping requires permits, which are given out by lottery. Gem Type: Lake Below us was going to be an adventure as the trail was hard to find. Chelan, WA 98816 Download Our New Official Recreation App! 24 West Chewuch Road This trail is within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Day 1: Start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and follow for 2.3 miles. At approximately 8.4 miles turn left on Forest Service Road 7601 (Bridge Creek Campground is near junction). For vehicles parking on road or in parking area -- a NW Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass or the Overnight Visitor Parking Pass that comes with Enchantments overnight permit must be on display on your vehicle’s dashboard. Review of Enchantment Lakes. Overnight camping in this area requires a permit from May 15 - October 31. At approximately 8.4 miles turn left on Forest Service Road 7601 (Bridge Creek Campground is near junction). Next to Stuart Lake, this has to be one of the most glorious day trips in the area. Unfortunately it rained the day of our hike. Green Trails Map - #209S The Enchantments, USGS Map - Cashmere Mountain/Enchantment Lakes. The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. (509) 996-4000, Naches Ranger District Parking for about 40 cars and a toilet is available (no water). Map showing recreational areas. The Enchantments, with its granite peaks, pristine lakes and jaw-dropping views, is definitely one of them. Turn left here and trail soon crosses Mountaineer Creek again on a log bridge. 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. This weekend we go backcountry camping in the Enchantments for 4 nights/ 5 days! An overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31. The first glance you get rounding the corner to Colchuck Lake is an awe inspiring moment. Within a quarter-mile the trail crosses into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. (509) 852-1100, Entiat Ranger District Overnight camping in this area requires a permit from May 15 - October 31. Back on Colchuck Lake and a Long Bushwhack to the Car. Going up was not too bad however the latter part (closest to the lake) has some steeper grades. Day Passes can be purchased at trailhead, and pass must be displayed on dashboard of vehicle, even if parking on the road. Turn left here and trail soon crosses Mountaineer Creek again on a log bridge. Looking back we would occasionally see our tracks now in the shade. Part 35.136. The route to Colchuck Lake is the easiest and most popular way for people to see the glorious Enchantments. Then pick up the Colchuck Lake Trail for 2.7 miles. (509) 852-1100, Entiat Ranger District Dogs, and all pets, are prohibited. Due to popular demand for overnight permits, a lottery is held annually. The area has several wonderful places to pitch a tent. If you have any questions please call the Leavenworth Ranger Station at (509) 548-2550. Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. The water is crystal clear and on a nice day the sun sparkles on the lake. 803 W. 2nd Street All-Day Hike: The hike to Colchuck Lake is roughly 8.3 miles and generally done as an all-day hike. Beyond the toilets, the campsites were closed due to some slides in the area. Colchuck and Stuart Lakes are part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and require a Northwest Forest Pass. Trail Name: Colchuck Lake Trailhead. ... We were the last people to arrive at the camping area and got a really crappy campsite. (509) 653-1401, Wenatchee River Ranger District If you plan to camp overnight in this area you will need to come prepared. Wilderness Trail: Non-motorized, no bicycles. To the right is another 2.5 miles to Stuart Lake (less elevation gain), to the left is the trail to Colchuck. Dogs, and all pets, are prohibited, except for Service Dogs as defined by Department of Justice regulations 28 C.F.R. The roundtrip covers 7.7 mi (12.39 km) with an elevation of 2,300 ft (701.04 m). No overnight permits needed! If you plan to camp at the top, know that you must obtain a permit between May 15 to October 31. 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. See Enchantment Lakes permit information. Colchuck Lake hike is the one you should be hiking if you have never hiked in this Eastern side of Washington. Dragontail peak, little colchuck, and below-freezing temperatures made for an unforgettable night up. Trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is reached. Colchuck Lake is breathtaking! Enjoy a unique sense of solitude and see stunning Colchuck Lake and the imposing peaks around it under a heavy blanket of snow. Colchuck Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state. 10237 Highway 12 Cle Elum, WA 98922 Day hikers are encouraged to park on the road or in the island of parking area. Colchuck Peak is a prominent peak in the Stuart Range and a worthy goal with some very fine climbs on its northeast side, though it is often overlooked in favor of Dragontail Peak immediately to the east with its spectacular north face. (509) 682-4900, Cle Elum Ranger District These are self-issued at the trailhead. Fortunately we still had a few hours of daylight and headlamps in our backpacks. Alpine Lake Wilderness permit required. The views were gorgeous. Alpine Lake Wilderness permit required. Northwest Forest Pass required. Defined by Department of Justice regulations 28 C.F.R. See Enchantment Lakes permit information. Map Information. Day Passes can be purchased at trailhead, and pass must be displayed on dashboard of vehicle, even if parking on the road. Area and got a really crappy campsite on Colchuck Lake and a Long Bushwhack to the trailheads further! Now in the Enchantments for hiking, camping, and ALL pets, are prohibited on Colchuck Lake,. 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