Colchuck Lake

Posting from my hike in August. Stunning water but very cold for swimming lol. Took like a million duplicate photos and videos it was so pretty. And made quite a few chipmunk friends! Saw one snacking on someone's granola bar they dropped and snapped lots of pics it was so cute!

Absolutely stunning! The hike is challenging but so worth it. The trail starts out moderate, then gets steeper and rockier as you get closer to the lake, so good shoes are a must. It took me about 4–5 hours round trip with breaks, and the climb really gets your heart pumping. When you finally reach the top, the turquoise water with beautiful mountains in the background feels unreal—like something out of a postcard. It’s cold if you dip your feet in, but refreshing after the climb. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds, since the lot fills up fast.

We loved this hike! Not too crowded last September and our dog loved swimming in the lake.

Stunning view. The trail was pretty challenging as it is rocky and steep towards the end of the trail.

Great hike with a stunningly beautiful lunch spot. Colchuck is the most beautiful lake I've ever seen in person.

Recent surrounding fires have left the whole area hazy, it gets worst the higher you climb up. In some segments, the trail is not clearly marked which can confuse hikers. Best to research and bring your own maps. The road in has a lot of sharp rocks and potholes, a vehicle with high clearance is recommended. Be sure to have a wilderness permit and parking pass before you come. A great hike with a beautiful lake on top, cold though, even in the summertime.

My first glacier lake. It was absolutely stunning. Experience was really great. Hiking was hard. We walk almost 10 miles up and down from parking lot. Suggest to go early. First 2-2.5 miles is absolutely beautiful not that hard either. Waterfalls and creek and forest.

It was definitely the hardest hike we’ve ever done but the views were so worth it!

Colchuck Lake has been on my list for YEARS and one I definitely considered a bucket list trail. I finally got the chance to do it this past weekend and it was 100% warranted as as bucket list destination. Doing some research before the hike we learned that the parking lot is pretty much full before 7am. We reached there by around 6:45am and it was entirely full and people were parking down the road. We were even as far as at least half a mile away from the actual trailhead when we actually parked, but luckily the walk is pretty flat. The beginning of the trailhead has a bathroom that will have a lengthy line in the morning, and it is gross. Just be prepared! In total, we clocked almost 9 miles round trip and it took us just shy of 7 hours. That said, we did spend about an hour at the top to take in all of the views and the experience as a whole. I knew this trail would be challenging and I'd say it was probably the second hardest I've ever done (maybe the third), with the first being Mailbox Peak. There are some incredibly tough stretches with steep rock stairs and areas where it feels like you're scrambling a ton. There are moderate breaks where the trail flattens, but it's pretty challenging the entire length of the hike. The end point, the actual lake, is entirely worth the pain and "I don't know if I can do this" moments along the way. Absolutely STUNNING. Probably the most unreal colored water I've ever seen with the shade of blue that it was. The mountains encompassing the lake look fake - literally like AI in real life or something. Truly is a great spot to find a nice rock to sit and relax to enjoy lunch and reenergize for the trek down the trail. After hitting the bottom, it was a loooong walk back to the car with us being so wiped. Much to our disappoint we also discovered that ALL of the cars parked along the road received $100 tickets from the Chelan PD, despite there being no signs that said we couldn't park along the road (just on the bridge, which we weren't on). Overall Colchuck Lake was worth the wait and I'm so glad to have seen it finally - I just don't think I'll ever do it again LOL.

Colchuck Lake is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful alpine lake I've seen. It is absolutely worth a hike to get there, and many others would agree, given the often full trailheads early in the morning during nice weather, even on weekdays. You just cannot beat the views and the stunning blue water of the lake. We did an out/back hike, but plenty of others were planning to hike a lot more of the Enchantment Trail. Bring plenty of water, snacks, take breaks as you need it, and enjoy the view (and possibly a dip) at the lake when you get there!

Mixed feelings about this one. As a day hike, this place is great! You'll get some exercise and work off that *completely authentic* German cuisine you're going to binge on at dinner. Most people that visit Leavenworth have no idea this alpine playground is lurking behind the trees. It's impossible to see these peaks from anywhere in town. As a backpacking trip, or a place to camp...I give it a "meh". The bugs here are often very bad. Most of the campsites don't have very good views. As a basecamp for climbing in the Enchantments...it only saves you 2-3 hrs. You still have a LONG, BRUTAL hike up Asguard Pass. And up ontop of Asguard Pass, that's where the truly magical, goat-strewn, landscapes come to life! And the permitting system here is a nightmare. You literally have to win a lottery to camp at this lake. It's just not worth the trouble, IMHO.

All of the beauty that is written about Colchuck Lake is true. It is stunning!!! The fact that you have to hike a hard nine miles into it makes the experience even more special. Of course one of the reasons that I say nine hard miles is because of the elevation gain of 2293 ft ... that's a lot for a Floridian. The added kicker is that the last mile to the lake is the hardest. The trail started out easy and had me thinking that it will not be so bad but about a mile and a half in it started to feel like exercise. A few more miles in and it felt like boot camp. Most people say that they completed the hike in five hours. My daughter and I took longer and were thoroughly exhausted at the end of the day. The beauty from start to finish made the entire experience worth it.

Well, we just hike this bad boy today,It is a doozy. First i got to tell you, there will be three small "bridge" and then two big "bridge" and after that its just over the ridge. For us ,we took our time and see the sights and took some photos. Average is around 3 to 4 hours going up there if you are leisure about it , remember its not how fast you get to the destination..its about savoring it. On other note we did this on a weekday so ,it wasn't bad but if you do this in a weekend...be prepared to park far away. Today is 28May2021 and we made it there! The view are amazing but remember there are still some snow so be careful. Ohh ya i added a picture of my trusty stick.. you never know when you need one!

My little legs clocked me in at 10.6 miles, 5.3 in and 5.3 out. It starts out easy and gradually gets tougher with the elevation gain, rocks, tree root paths. Get to the trailhead early, we were there in mid July, by 5 am to start hiking (no issues finding parking at that time). I'm not a hard core hiker just do it for fun so it took took 4 hours to get up and just under 2 hours to come down. Was a beautiful clear day.

Absolutely worth the effort to hike up to Colchuck Lake ! This 10 mile trail does not have any beautiful views on the way, but the finish is just breathtaking. The turquoise blue waters of the pristine colchuck lake is a feast for your eyes. Be sure to carry spare clothes and give yourself a treat by jumping into the cold water! This is a 10 mile round trip contrary to the 8 mile claim on WTA. Very rocky and steep in the second half. An average hiker would take about 3 hours to go up and 2 hours to come back down. Dogs are not allowed. Northwest Forest Pass needed to park in the parking lot. You can buy a day pass for $5 either online or pay cash onsite.

This hike was SO DANG HARD. Wow, this took about 2.5 hours up, then 2 hours down, and just when you think you're at the top or the end, it just keeps on going. No doubt the lake is SOOOO unbelievably beautiful. The water is cold, but is perfect for a dip on a hot summer day, and you can tell that it is relatively untouched. Even from half a mile away, when you see the water, you can see through it. WA is definitely the Emerald state. BUT AGAIN, this hike was SO hard. Definitely not for beginners. Prepare an adequate amount of water, and prepare to feel exhausted by the end. Day passes are only $5 and you can pay at the parking site!

Crystal clear blue lake. Make sure to either go super early or on a weekday to beat the crowds. If you're really feeling like seeing some views then doing the whole Enchantments is the way to go. Make sure to check recent trail reports and also check the weather.

What an amazing hike this is... It's definitely need for the beginner hiker. It's 5 miles out and back with an elevation gain of over 2700ft. But the reward is soooo worth it when you get to see the majestic lake in front of you with the towering mountains surrounding it. It's like a place you only find in fairy tales. It's absolutely amazing! The trailhead is within the national park so you'd need the annual pass showing from your vehicle or you can always pay the daily fee. There are envelopes provided at the trailhead. Bring a pen since pens aren't provided! It had rained the night before so the trail itself was muddy and at the higher elevations, there was slush from the melting snow. It's definitely a great choice to bring hiking sticks. There is a toilet near the lake but it's an "open air" toilet so you're seating there in all your glory if you decide to use it. You'd need someone to be a "watcher" for anyone else coming up the trail Besides the usual "necessities" that's needed, all I can say is take your time on the trail. There are so many things to see and enjoy. Give yourself the entire day to hike it. I'd really like to hike this trail again one day!!

This hike is intense! Took us 2.5 hours to get to the lake. It was uphill most of the way and felt like it was NEVER going to end! Picture a stair stepper from hell! I would've appreciated it more had I not wanted to crawl in a ball and cry! Let me tell you though, once we got to the top, IT WAS WORTH IT!!! The most beautiful blue lake I've ever seen! The water was clear to the bottom and cold! It felt so good to dip our legs in and wash off all our dirt and sweat! We had lunch up there and just appreciated our surroundings! I would recommend this hike. The way down is easier and you feel like a badass for making it to the top. All in all it took us 5 hours, so make sure you pack a good lunch and lots of H20!!

It's a beautiful view and the hardest climb for me. There is no parking If you come later and need to park far away.

It is a very difficult hike (if you're a beginner like me), but the view.. the view is worth it! Would I ever do this hike again ? Hahaha probably not. It was a great experience though. 5 stars for the view, 3 stars for the hike.

The most amazing and beautifulest hike I have ever been on! If you aren't active and haven't been on a hike almost 10 miles long, I would not recommend this hike because the difficulty level is probably at 7. The hike took me and my two friends, who are active hikers, about 2 and a half hours to complete going up the mountain, including breaks. We went in the spring time where there was still snow towards higher elevation. Note- If you go around this time, be sure to bring boots or hiking shoes with good traction to prevent slipping! Towards the middle of the hike there is a lot of switch backs! So be prepared for that! Once you reach the top, you'll feel like you are in heaven! The view of the lake and the mountains will leave you breathless!

When can I do it again? I relish the day that I can get a permit to backpack the entirety of the Enchantments, but on this occasion, Colchuck Lake was gonna have to tide me over. And did it ever. The hike in was strenuous, but I'd also just done Mailbox Peak, so it was easier in comparison (but not easy by any means). I had no trekking poles with me, which my knees kindly thank me for (not), but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. The trail is mostly easy to follow and takes you straight to the camping area and an overlook of Colchuck Lake. They don't even make an emoji to convey the look on my face. It was the equivalent of "f me sideways." I'd seen pictures of the Enchantments and always thought they looked magical, but this. Sylvester style tongue and jaw on ground. I was in actual awe. Between the turquoise clear blue waters of the lake, the mountain goat that doesn't seem to care you're even there, and the endless mountains covered in glaciers--like, what more could you want? You forget that your thighs are on fire as you look out over the lake. Walking around it for alternate vantage points was great too. The way in took me 2.5 hours, 1.5 on the way out. Spent an hour walking around the lake, but probably could have spent the better portion of the day. Also! Of note! This trail is 4.8 miles each way, not 4 (WTA states this as an 8m RT). And that's just to the initial overlook/campsite. The hike around the lake is up and down, over boulders and tree roots as well, so that's definitely something to factor in! There weren't many people on the trail and I started late (for me) at 8:30. By the time I was coming back down at noon, there were heaps of people (all very courteous and friendly), and the trailhead parking lot had filled in tremendously. Once I got back to my car, I headed straight to Icicle Brewing for a half of the German Chocolate Cake Ale, the thought of which got me through the last 3 miles (the temps jumped from 55 to 80 while I was hiking. I was dressed for 55, not 80). After Mailbox Peak, I said to myself, never again. Would I do this trail again? Every opportunity possible.

All I can say about this hike is that it is the first time I've ever reached the end of a hike and wanted to tear up at how God can make something so beautiful. The journey is arduous which made the end even sweeter. Colchuck Lake itself is a 3 hour drive from Seattle so plan ahead. The hike itself was pretty difficult. Colchuck is the hardest hike I've done besides Mailbox. It is a 9 mi roundtrip trail and the lake is over 5,000 ft up. The trail is in relatively good condition but you're going to have to climb over a lot of rocks along with your switchbacks. Getting down to the lake is really hard but man... that view makes everything worth.

8 mi roundtrip, 2,280 ft. elevation gain. Extremely difficult hike, would not recommend this for beginners. I was a beginner and I tried tackling this hike and my legs nearly collapsed from exhaustion. I was sore for a week afterwards . BUT definitely worth it and you don't think anything of it once you get to the top. I motivated myself to get to the top by imagining that there was a Korean BBQ rest. at the top end point of the hike haha! Directions: To reach the trailhead, turn onto Icicle Creek Road from US2 on the very western edge of Leavenworth. Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. Follow the bumpy, sometimes potholed dirt road 3.7 miles to the Stuart Lake trailhead. Parking for about 20-30 cars and a toilet are available in the lot. Make sure to buy the Northwest Forest Pass prior to arriving. You can buy that online.

I would say that this was one of the toughest hikes I have ever done. Nearly gave up when we were 3/4 of a mile away from the lake. Overall, the view was worth it!