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Colchuck Lake

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.8 (48)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …North Cascades
  4. …Leavenworth
  5. The Enchantments
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“A very popular trail leading to a glacially carved alpine lake in the beautiful Enchantments. ”

Sarah Baker
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Map Key

8.3

Miles

13.4

KM

Out and Back

5,614' 1,711 m

High

3,439' 1,048 m

Low

2,222' 677 m

Up

2,222' 677 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

The route to Colchuck Lake is the easiest and most popular way for people to see the glorious Enchantments. 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.

Be prepared to share the trail with hundreds of people; this is an extremely popular route, especially on summer weekends. Make sure to keep this area beautiful for future generations by following Wilderness Regulations and staying on the trail at all times.

Need to Know

A $5 per vehicle/day fee or a valid Recreation Pass is required on vehicles at the trailhead. Camping within this area is managed by a reservation permit system May 15th through October 31st.

Description

The trail starts at the Stuart Lake trailhead which can be packed with cars even on weekdays during the summer. The route starts on the Stuart Lake Trail #1599 and follows Mountaineer Creek while gradually climbing through a beautiful forest. The trail crosses the creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge and starts to steepen.

At 2.2 miles take a left at the junction with the Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1. The trail immediately crosses Mountaineer Creek again and then climbs steeply over sometimes rocky and washed-out trail.

After climbing a quick 1,100 ft from the valley base, you'll reach Colchuck Lake. Meander along the lake's west edge while taking in the awesome views of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising from the south end of the lake. Grab lunch and take in the epic views up towards Aasgard Pass where backpackers enter the upper Enchantment basin or take a swim in the deep blue lake if you want to cool off.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Okanogan & Wenatchee National Forest Office

Shared By:

Sarah Baker
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 48 votes

#2

in The Enchantments

#181

Overall
  4.8 from 48 votes
5 Star
85%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in The Enchantments

#12

in Washington

#181

Overall
13 Views Last Month
19,682 Since Feb 2, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

Views of the jagged Dragontail Peak across Colchuck Lake.
Jun 7, 2017 near Leavenw…, WA
Colchuck Lake
Aug 12, 2015 near Leavenw…, WA
A mountain goat and his domain (Dragontail Peak in the background).
Jun 27, 2016 near Leavenw…, WA
The Colchuck boulder field
Aug 12, 2015 near Leavenw…, WA
Reflecting on how awesome Dragontail Peak looks...
Jun 27, 2016 near Leavenw…, WA
Overlooking Colchuck Lake
Aug 12, 2015 near Leavenw…, WA

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 11, 2023
Irene Beusch
Saw a mountain goat! 8.6mi — 4h 00m
Oct 23, 2022
Tristan Hamilton
8.5mi — 4h 00m
Oct 5, 2021
Joe Smith
with mom and dad. arrived 6:50. got to lake at 9:50. left lake at 11:30. got to car at 1:40. super windy and cold at lake, couldn't fish long 8.3mi
Sep 25, 2021
abby zhang
4h 30m
Sep 20, 2021
Lillian Ponce
Sep 18, 2021
Rachel Dier
Aug 21, 2021
Gorby Jackson
8.1mi — 4h 02m
Jul 12, 2021
Michael Young

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