With farmers markets, breweries, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, gorgeous views, and a Bavarian-style village, it is definitely a must see! Colchuck Lake is a magnificent color of blue (from glacial till) and offers great overnight camping. Defined by Department of Justice regulations 28 C.F.R. Reservations are required for overnight use from May 15 through October 31. Parking along FS Road 7601 is now allowed, but only on right side of road (going up). No overnight permits needed! The views were gorgeous. The trail continues along western shore of lake to access campsites and the route up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantments. Dogs, and all pets, are prohibited. 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. Aasgard Pass is to the left of Dragontail Peak. Day Passes can be purchased at trailhead, and pass must be displayed on dashboard of vehicle, even if parking on the road. (509) 682-4900, Cle Elum Ranger District Map Information. The trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek and crosses creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge. Overnight camping requires permits, which are given out by lottery. is now part of Colville National Forest. (509) 548-2550, Tonasket Ranger District 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. Then pick up the Colchuck Lake Trail for 2.7 miles. Review of Enchantment Lakes. Winthrop, WA 98862 Overnight camping in this area requires a permit from May 15 - October 31. 428 W. Woodin Avenue Within a quarter-mile the trail crosses into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The Stuart Lake Trail #1599 begins by following Mountaineer Creek into a mixed forest. Camping is allowed at the lake with a permit, but permits are in very high demand as the lake is nearby the popular core Enchantments area. The way leaves the parking lot and the trail meanders the valley. 10237 Highway 12 24 West Chewuch Road Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. This weekend we go backcountry camping in the Enchantments for 4 nights/ 5 days! At approximately 8.4 miles turn left on Forest Service Road 7601 (Bridge Creek Campground is near junction). At about 1.75 miles (elev. If you plan to camp overnight in this area you will need to come prepared. This beautiful and very popular 4-mile trail is accessed from Stuart Lake Trail #1599 which starts at Stuart Lake Trailhead (3400' elevation). An overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31. 215 Melody Lane Beyond the toilets, the campsites were closed due to some slides in the 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. Alpine Lake Wilderness permit required. This will put you at Colchuck Lake and the base of Aasgard Pass, which is less than a mile in distance, but comes with an elevation gain of about 1,900 feet. I slept very well in my tent and woke up refreshed and eager to get along the trail. There are beautiful views of the lake -- with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising 3,000 feet above south end of lake. (509) 664-9200, Chelan Ranger District Wenatchee, WA 98801 The area has several wonderful places to pitch a tent. There are also campsites near north end of lake. Fortunately we still had a few hours of daylight and headlamps in our backpacks. 1 Reviews of Colchuck Lake "The road up to the TH (Eightmile Road) opened up on May 15 (permits for camping in Enchantments also opened the same day) and we wanted to … This trail is within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. (509) 653-1401, Wenatchee River Ranger District At about the two-mile mark find the junction with the Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1 (sometimes referred to as #1599A) and head left to push up toward the lake. Trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is reached. Day hikers are encouraged to park on the road or in the island of parking area. Even though the temperatures were forecast to reach 86 degrees in Leavenworth, much of the trail was shaded and much cooler, very comfortable. Day 1: Start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and follow for 2.3 miles. Elevation: 5,580 feet (2,280ft of elevation gain) Weather: Warm and sunny Winthrop, WA 98862 Leave designated overnight parking for permit holders. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. Many great spots for swimming and snoozing. However, the views at the lake are well worth the effort. Colchuck Lake is breathtaking! Turn left here and trail soon crosses Mountaineer Creek again on a log bridge. Map Information. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Trailhead: From west end of Leavenworth on Highway 2, turn south on Icicle Road. (509) 996-4000, Naches Ranger District The roundtrip covers 7.7 mi (12.39 km) with an elevation of 2,300 ft (701.04 m). This trail is within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 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. Chelan, WA 98816 ... We were the last people to arrive at the camping area and got a really crappy campsite. Parking for about 40 cars and a toilet is available (no water). If you have any questions please call the Leavenworth Ranger Station at (509) 548-2550. Many people camp in this area during the summer months and others are brave enough to do it in the winter. Below us was going to be an adventure as the trail was hard to find. The route follows a peaceful stream through a lush forest, then climbs steeply to Colchuck Lake where the views of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak won't disappoint. 428 W. Woodin Avenue Part 35.136. 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. Map showing recreational areas. Entiat, WA 98822 There are beautiful views of the lake -- with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising 3,000 feet above south end of lake. 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. The easiest routes are scrambles from the south and / or the Colchuck Col at the top of the Colchuck Glacier to the east. It is a must to get to trailhead early as there is limited parking at base and if full it is another probably 2 mile walk from where your other parking option is. Part 35.136. (509) 682-4900, Cle Elum Ranger District The first glance you get rounding the corner to Colchuck Lake is an awe inspiring moment. Turn left here and trail soon crosses Mountaineer Creek again on a log bridge. Consider carpooling, riding a bike or have someone shuttle you to the trailheads to further reduce impacts and overcrowding. 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. Part 35.136. Part 35.136. There are also campsites near north end of lake. 2108 Entiat Way There are parts of Washington so beautiful that they truly take your breath away. Reviewed September 20, 2019 . Colchuck Lake is also one of the starting points for reaching the Enchantment Lakes via Aasgard Pass. 600 Sherbourne Consider carpooling, riding a bike or have someone shuttle you to the trailheads to further reduce impacts and overcrowding. Colchuck Lake hike is the one you should be hiking if you have never hiked in this Eastern side of Washington. 2108 Entiat Way Parking for about 40 cars and a toilet is available (no water). Chelan, WA 98816 The route to Colchuck Lake is the easiest and most popular way for people to see the glorious Enchantments. The trail is sometimes steep and rough for 1.5 miles from creek crossing to the lake, which is at 5500' elevation. Leavenworth, WA 98826 Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest DOGS are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. Colchuck Glacier is to the right. Entiat, WA 98822 Overnight camping in this area requires a permit from May 15 - October 31. (509) 996-4000, Naches Ranger District Difficulty: Dayhike – Easy Backpacking – Moderate. (509) 784-4700, Methow Valley Ranger District Be prepared to share the trail with hundreds of people; this is an extremely popular route, especially on summer … It’s a fun hike with unbeatable views, especially at the lake. Dogs whose sole purpose is to provide therapy, comfort, emotional support or crime deterrent do not qualify as service dogs. Dogs are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. Colchuck Lake is worth the hike. Enjoy a unique sense of solitude and see stunning Colchuck Lake and the imposing peaks around it under a heavy blanket of snow. The trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek and crosses creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge. DOGS are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. See Enchantment Lakes permit information. And as gorgeous as the entire area is, Colchuck Lake is its crown jewel. Green Trails Map - #209S The Enchantments, USGS Map - Cashmere Mountain/Enchantment Lakes. Leavenworth, WA 98826 If you plan to camp at the top, know that you must obtain a permit between May 15 to October 31. Dragontail peak, little colchuck, and below-freezing temperatures made for an unforgettable night up. Not only do you get the views of the icy deep aqua blue glacier water, you are surrounded by the tall Glacier Walls of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks. pete won the enchantments lottery for overnight camping at colchuck, so we ended up staying 3 nights by this gorgeous lake, hiking around to other areas during the daytime. There are also campsites near north end of lake. Gem Type: Lake Trail Name: Colchuck Lake Trailhead. Overnight camping in this area requires a permit from May 15 - October 31. There are also campsites near north end of lake. Wilderness Trail: Non-motorized, no bicycles. There are several high points with the western most being the true summit. 803 W. 2nd Street 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. 24 West Chewuch Road Headquarters Parking along FS Road 7601 is now allowed, but only on right side of road (going up). Wenatchee, WA 98801 This is exactly what we did – and our friends Kevin , Cameron , and Tessa joined us for an unforgettable sunrise hike. The parking area can be busy, as visitors access the Enchantments and Stuart Lake from this trailhead. 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 … Colchuck Lake Trail begins at Stuart Lake trailhead and parking lot by Forest Service Road 7601, which can be reached from Icicle Creek Road. Follow the sometimes rough and steep dirt road 3.7 miles to Stuart Lake trailhead. (509) 548-2550, Tonasket Ranger District Unfortunately it rained the day of our hike. The jagged peaks and passes surrounding the lake have mystical names like Dragontail and Aasgard Pass. Back on Colchuck Lake and a Long Bushwhack to the Car. Headquarters To the right is another 2.5 miles to Stuart Lake (less elevation gain), to the left is the trail to Colchuck. (509) 852-1100, Entiat Ranger District At approximately 8.4 miles turn left on Forest Service Road 7601 (Bridge Creek Campground is near junction). For the first 1.7 miles, the hike is relatively easy with rolling hills and about 600 feet of elevation. ^ we always take a photo of the trailhead area and a selfie in case we go missing, haha. Next to Stuart Lake, this has to be one of the most glorious day trips in the area. 803 W. 2nd Street Map showing recreational areas. Designated hiker campsites at Colchuck Lake. 600 Sherbourne Colchuck Lake is truly a gem of a day hike. Naches, WA 98937 The water is crystal clear and on a nice day the sun sparkles on the lake. If you have any questions please call the Leavenworth Ranger Station at (509) 548-2550. Trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is reached. DOGS are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. Colchuck Lake Trail (Trip Report) The Enchantments, with its granite peaks, pristine lakes and jaw-dropping views, is definitely one of them. Dogs are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. Camping at Colchuck Lake. The trailhead is easily found from the parking area. First though: freshly … Day hikers are encouraged to park on the road or in the island of parking area. Trailhead: From west end of Leavenworth on Highway 2, turn south on Icicle Road. The trail is sometimes steep and rough for 1.5 miles from creek crossing to the lake, which is at 5500' elevation. It is the bigger brother to the nearby Enchantment Lakes, much easier to reach (as a day hike, especially), and some have described it as a religious experience.The glacier-fed waters of Colchuck Lake are an ethereal aquamarine blue. 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. Here we crossed our first bridge and the trail starts to climb. Colchuck lake. Colchuck Lake is quite popular, in part as it’s en route to the Enchantments. Due to popular demand for overnight permits, a lottery is held annually. Leave designated overnight parking for permit holders. (509) 664-9200, Chelan Ranger District The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. The trip to the lake is just under 4 mi (6.44 km). The trail continues along western shore of lake to access campsites and the route up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantments. The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. DRONES ARE PROHIBITED IN ALL WILDERNESS AREAS DOGS ARE PROHIBITED. Colchuck Lake In May I was luck enough to find an enchantment permit to Colchuck Lake, so Kyla, Alicia and I decided we would make this popular trail our first overnight destination this season. 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, and all pets, are prohibited, except for Service Dogs as defined by Department of Justice regulations 28 C.F.R. DRONES ARE PROHIBITED IN ALL WILDERNESS AREAS DOGS ARE PROHIBITED. 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. Hiking to Colchuck Lake. Designated hiker campsites at Colchuck Lake. The hike to Colchuck Lake begins at the Stuart Lake trailhead (no. Overnight camping in this area requires a permit from May 15 - October 31. Long and Kathy Long made the first recorde… Date & Duration: August 14, 2017, about 5.5 hours total hike time. 215 Melody Lane Colchuck Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state. All-Day Hike: The hike to Colchuck Lake is roughly 8.3 miles and generally done as an all-day hike. 10237 Highway 12 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. See Enchantment Lakes permit information. Camping at Colchuck Lake. 4000ft) the trail crosses the creek on an spectacular log bridge spanning deep pools of water on large boulders. Even at 7 am, the parking lot was nearly full. An overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31. Northwest Forest Pass required. DOGS are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. Cle Elum, WA 98922 beautiful colchuck lake! See Enchantment Lakes permit information. Colchuck lake. (509) 784-4700, Methow Valley Ranger District Dogs as defined by Department of Justice regulations 28 C.F.R Colchuck Col at the top of the trees Colchuck. 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