For the first 1.7 miles, the hike is relatively easy with rolling hills and about 600 feet of elevation. Leavenworth, WA 98826 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. Follow the sometimes rough and steep dirt road 3.7 miles to Stuart Lake trailhead. 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. ^ we always take a photo of the trailhead area and a selfie in case we go missing, haha. 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. Overnight camping in this area requires a permit from May 15 - October 31. Parking along FS Road 7601 is now allowed, but only on right side of road (going up). Day hikers are encouraged to park on the road or in the island of parking area. Day 1: Start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and follow for 2.3 miles. Dragontail peak, little colchuck, and below-freezing temperatures made for an unforgettable night up. 1599) and dives right into the forest. The parking area can be busy, as visitors access the Enchantments and Stuart Lake from this trailhead. Wilderness Trail: Non-motorized, no bicycles. However, the views at the lake are well worth the effort. Camping at Colchuck Lake. Part 35.136. An overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31. Trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is reached. Headquarters I slept very well in my tent and woke up refreshed and eager to get along the trail. Entiat, WA 98822 The trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek and crosses creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge. Dogs, and all pets, are prohibited, except for Service Dogs as defined by Department of Justice regulations 28 C.F.R. Dogs, and all pets, are prohibited. The way leaves the parking lot and the trail meanders the valley. No overnight permits needed! Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest 24 West Chewuch Road Colchuck Lake is one of the lakes that make up the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which was established in 1976 and consists of 391,988 acres. 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. is now part of Colville National Forest. Wenatchee, WA 98801 The route to Colchuck Lake is the easiest and most popular way for people to see the glorious Enchantments. DRONES ARE PROHIBITED IN ALL WILDERNESS AREAS DOGS ARE PROHIBITED. See Enchantment Lakes permit information. Camping at Colchuck Lake. Part 35.136. Trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is reached. The trailhead is easily found from the parking area. Northwest Forest Pass required. 803 W. 2nd Street Even at 7 am, the parking lot was nearly full. 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. 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. Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. Entiat, WA 98822 This beautiful and very popular 4-mile trail is accessed from Stuart Lake Trail #1599 which starts at Stuart Lake Trailhead (3400' elevation). There are parts of Washington so beautiful that they truly take your breath away. There are beautiful views of the lake -- with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising 3,000 feet above south end of lake. Part 35.136. Green Trails Map - #209S The Enchantments, USGS Map - Cashmere Mountain/Enchantment Lakes. If you plan to camp overnight in this area you will need to come prepared. Download Our New Official Recreation App! Enjoy a unique sense of solitude and see stunning Colchuck Lake and the imposing peaks around it under a heavy blanket of snow. Colchuck Glacier is to the right. 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. Even though the temperatures were forecast to reach 86 degrees in Leavenworth, much of the trail was shaded and much cooler, very comfortable. This trail is within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Cle Elum, WA 98922 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. Dogs whose sole purpose is to provide therapy, comfort, emotional support or crime deterrent do not qualify as service dogs. Consider carpooling, riding a bike or have someone shuttle you to the trailheads to further reduce impacts and overcrowding. Below us was going to be an adventure as the trail was hard to find. 24 West Chewuch Road DOGS are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. 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