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In the Enchantments, nature has carved one of the magnificent places of this world--an alpine paradise of granite worn smooth by glaciers, larches manicured by wind and cold, and crystal blue lakes strung together by a creek that tumbles and thunders between them. Hang in there! A masonry dam that was built in the late 1930s to enclose Colchuck Lake has a spillway opening in the middle to manage overflow. Lake Wenatchee State Park, one of Washington's best state parks, is a scenic 20-mile drive from Leavenworth. The lake is a well-known destination within the Central Cascades for hikers seeking out the beauty of The Enchantments. Colchuck Lake is a freshwater alpine lake located in Chelan Country, Washington in the middle of The Enchantmentsa famously beautiful area of the Central Cascades. This has led to it becoming one of Japan's most famous hot spring spots. The lake's typical storage capacity is about 1,570 acre-feet, with a tributary basin of 941 . Our next visit is scheduled for early October to catch the fall color. The trails around Colchuck Lake offer spectacular views of the local flora and fauna. Forest Service Road 7601, commonly known as Eightmile Road, is where the route begins. So far, so good. The trial is a bit muddy in the first miles, and very buggy all the way. Then heading down to the shoreline, the view fills out even more with Dragontail Peak looming above and you get that moment every hiker hopes for, the one where time slows down and nature gives us a humbling reminder of our place in the world. These lakes are formed from snow and ice runoff, meaning that the water is incredibly cold all year long. Also starting that early on the way up you dont have to share the trail with people going downwe found it to be a more enjoyable experience. If you look to the left of Dragontail Peak, you'll see the famous Aasgard Pass. And voila! If youre driving from Seattle, take I-90 east for about two and a half hours until you reach Exit 85. The lake's typical storage capacity is about 1,570 acre-feet, with a tributary basin of 941 acres. [11] The trail will fork in two less than a mile from the bridge, to the right is the trail to Stuart Lake and to the left is Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1 towards Colchuck Lake. We are in town for a wedding and are looking to do this hike (or another one). Especially in the early season when snow is still melting, youll hear a good roar from Mountaineer Creek. Bird watchers will love spotting bald eagles, osprey, woodpeckers, and a variety of songbirds in the surrounding forest. Turn left on Forest Road 7600,then stay right on Forest Road 7601. Heres the best hotels near Colchuck Lake: From Leavenworth, WA, follow US-2 West for 0.8 mile, then turn left onto Icicle Road for about 8.5 miles. It is part of the states Cascade Mountains. In addition to natural wonders, there are numerous campsites nearby for those looking for an extended stay in the area. But I hung around for ten minutes and some one came down and took their car! Check out the map below to see the full hike to Colchuck Lake: Download a GPX file for Colchuck Lake here. Compare and contrast different species of ocean animals, from their physical characteristics to their behavior and habitat. Make sure everyone knows where you're going before you set out on your adventure! The Lake Colchuck Trail is one of Traverse the Pacific Northwest's Top 12 Best Hikes Near Leavenworth. Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. At Ocean Info, we dive deep into ocean-related topics such as sealife, exploration of the sea, rivers, areas of geographical importance, sailing, and more, with the help of marine experts and qualified scuba divers. We arrived to the lot at 3am and it was 80% full. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here, Sequoia National Park Stunning Winter Wonderland, 13 STUNNING Hikes at Mt. Eightmile Campground: 8 miles out of town and located off Icicle Creek, this busy campsite is open to tent and RV camping and has a 60/40% split of reservation and first come, first serve spots. Colchuck Lake is located within a remote section of the Central Cascades in Washington State known as The Enchantments. Find more information about the permit system on Recreation.gov. Colchuck Lake is a freshwater lake situated on the western side of The Enchantments, a region of the Central Cascades in Chelan County in the US State of Washington. Take Highway 207 north towards Leavenworth for approximately 12 miles until you reach Forest Road 67. The Colchuck Lake hike is very difficult. It was such an enjoyable hike. The view on top is spectacular except from cloudy and rained around noon time. The path alternates between shade and sun. Make sure you have your Northwest Forest Pass ready, or have $5 to fill out the day pass envelope. Wilderness permits track usage trends and assist with search & rescue efforts. The trailhead is on Forest Service Road 7601, sometimes as FS road #7601 or as Mountaineer's Creek Road. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 57 min to complete. The Enchantments are located within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Wenatchee National Forest. Make sure to admire the views of Icicle Creek along the way. Don't forget, this is an out-and-back trail, not a loop! From the creek crossing to the lake, which is at a height of 5500 feet, the 1.5-mile trail can be steep and difficult. Swim, picnic, and scramble around on the surrounding rocks to make this a true Pacific Northwest adventure. Some people have asked if its scary to hike in the dark. Dispose of Waste Properly (If you brought it in, bring it out), Minimize Fire Impacts At Colchuck NO fires are allowed. [8], On August 11, 2017 lightning caused by a cold frontal passage that tracked through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness started a fire about 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, Washington. There were so many mosquitos - you'll need bug spray esp on hands/face/anywhere that's not covered (fyi I got destroyed). Lows are considerable all year and often reach into the 30s during July, August, and September. The hardy larches are some of the only survivors at this altitude too, so when Autumn strikes, its nothing but rocks and gold. The depth to the gate from the top of the concrete pedestal is approximately 16 feet (4.9m). If you have the chance to do it as a day hike, DO IT. Eventually, visitors reach a junction for both Stuart Lake and Colchuck Lake. We achieve this by having the best team create content - this ranges from marine experts, trained scuba divers, marine-related enthusiasts, and more. Is this hike possible for a non hiker but fit person? The bedrock is about 3 feet from the surface and mapped as granites of the Mount Stuart Batholith (Mesozoic intrusive rocks) and ultramafic/metamorphic of the Ingalls Tectonic Complex (Mesozoic-Paleozoic ultramafic rocks). And this is coming from someone that once came home with 120 mosquito bites from Mt. Katie is a Washington living in the mountains of Snoqualmie Pass with her husband (Brock) and dog (Groot). Set beneath two of Washingtons tallest peaks, Colchuck Lake is an alpine gem. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. It gains a great deal of feet of elevation gain, around 2,200 feet in just a few miles. The Colchuck Lake trail takes you up to one of the best lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, a crystal clear, green blue piece of magic backed by the rocky silhouette of Dragontail Peak and the epic climb to Aasgard Pass. Cross the lake (there is a toll) and merge onto I-405 North for about 8 miles. Surrounded by rocky mountains like Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak. If youre planning on spending the night nearby, you can either camp out or stay in the charming town of Leavenworth. 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. Beautiful, lives up to the hype, highly trafficked and well-maintained. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the downtown Leavenworth area offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon. What's the Best Time to Visit Colchuck Lake? But Im not one for small talk, so lets get to the good stuff! Once the trail flattens out and even dips down a bit, pay attention because youre about to reach the Colchuck/Stuart Lake trail junction and if you dont look up youll go the wrong way. But there are no abandoned service roads or anything to get lost on, so for the most part its a good idea to stay focused on your steps and avoid tripping. In summer, cars fill not only the trailhead parking lot, but the road leading to it. Colchuck Lake is a freshwater reservoir lake located on the western slope of The Enchantments, in Chelan County, Washington. One step at a time! Its a challenging hike for someone just getting back into the swing of things. Archipelago Islands: A Cluster of Biodiverse Wonders. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. The Colchuck Lake trail. Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and purchase something, we make a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you. If you only see it in peak season during July or August, youd never guess what secret the upper basin holds come October. Theres a toilet at the trailhead (no flush). Continue right until you make your way out of the boulder garden and prepare for a steep uphill effort as you start the second lef of the hike. The Colchuck Lake trail is steady at first but picks up quickly. The lake is situated at the base of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak in the Stuart Range, two of the most iconic peaks in the area. Rainier National Park, 8 EPIC Waterfalls Near Portland Worth the Drive, How to Hike the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock, A (Very) Helpful Guide to the Trail of Ten Falls in Oregon, Best hiked from April to October (we hiked July 5, 2020). Nearby, Shikoku Village is an open-air museum with a collection of historical . [4] The origin of the word comes from Chinook Jargon kol + cak to mean cold waters. You need a permit if you want to camp in any of these zones: Due to the popularity of The Enchantments as a whole, the permit system was put into place to prevent the area from becoming overrun with thru-hikers. While Peru was genuinely incredible, it also gifted me the realization that there is world class hiking right here at home and Colchuck Lake is my top pick for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness poster child. The Colchuck Glacier is still in decent shape, but it is deteriorating quickly . Do not engage in any activity unless you are experienced and have guidance from professional climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry professionals. 2. Park and two other climbers were killed Feb. 19 as they ascended a steep, snow-packed gulley on the 8,705-foot (2,653-meter) Colchuck Peak, about 70 miles (115 kilometers) east of Seattle, amid . The view of Colchuck opens up on your left and on a sunny day the color of the water is so saturated it looks either filtered or like it belongs in the tropic. Turn right onto this road and follow it until it dead-ends into the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Bug spray is a must, bring lots of water and pack a rain jacket. Eventually you will reach the top. But, there are some really wonderful camping options near the trailhead. 10 Miles round trip witl lots of elevation gain. The name "Colchuck" comes from the Chinook words meaning "cold water," and that is certainly what you'll experience if you dare to take a dip in the lake. Trail is in great condition. Icicle Irrigation District submitted a request in 1926 for permission to divert water from Colchuck Lake at a rate of 2,500 acre-feet each year for the purpose of seasonal irrigation. It represents every level of beauty that the area has to offer, and its a realistic goal for hikers of many levels. It took us about 7 hours (we had to park a half mile from the trailhead, so we hiked about 10 miles total). Thanks in advance! At several spots along the way, views open up, first to the valley youve just climbed out of, then up to the toothy ridge of Dragontail Peak. Depending on ones fitness, the hike up to Colchuck Lake can be quite difficult. Beautiful trail, definitely tough incline on the way up, but the views are so worth it! You can also hike to Colchuck Lake when it's frozen! Take Highway 207 north towards Leavenworth for approximately 12 miles until you reach Forest Road 7601. But dont feel too bad for them because it means they get to spend time in the Enchantments! Did this trail on 6/19. The name Colchuck comes from the Chinook, meaning cold waters. (The name is shared with a nearby peak.) 48126. Breaking through the trees and seeing that vivid teal water for the first time is a feast for the eyes. Parking full by 8 am. Continue down the well marked trail and soon youll notice a bridge that crosses the creek. To avoid the WA-520 toll, cross Lake Washington further south on the I-90 bridge and make your way to I-405 North from there. How is the weather during that time? If youre coming from Seattle, you will be turning right off US-2. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. It goes without saying that we would never recommend something we wouldnt use or do ourselves. I share helpful guides (with beautiful photos, of course). Quick tip before we start: Remember that you + sunscreen = best friends (forever). Not to mention Oktoberfest, which is a great time. Moderate till the last mile or so then straight up roots and rocks. My husband and I hiked this trail last July and Im so excited to share all of the details with you today (along with tons of photos). Horizons West / West Orlando, Winter Garden, FL. Youll be able to see the mountain valley at various spots during this stretch. After a series of bends and ups and downs in the trees, the trail reaches a rock field at the bottom of the terminal moraine of the Colchuck Glacier. You can also hike to Colchuck Lake when it's frozen! Colchuck Lake is in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Some small muddy parks. The trail continues along the lake's western bank, providing access to campgrounds and the route that leads to the Enchantments through Aasgard Pass. Ocean Info is a website dedicated to spreading awareness about the ocean and exploring the depths of what covers two-thirds of Earth. There are easy hikes near Leavenworth, like Blackbird Island or the Tumwater Pipeline Trail, and much harder endeavors for all visitors. This trail shows the amazing beauty that is the Pacific NW. Colchuck is formed from glacial water that flows down from the peaks above it, meaning that it is often incredibly cold. Assuming you arrived bright and early to get a decent parking spot, make sure to hang your annual Northwest Forest Pass on your mirror or head up to the information boards to get a day pass. Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. Were thinking about hiking the entire Enchantments Loop in one day! Full Report: Colchuck lake is an amazing glacier-fed lake with fantastic water quality and a great place to take a dip on a hot summer day. This infrastructure allows for controlled releases of stored water to supplement flows into Icicle Creek through its outflowing tributaries and increase the water supply available during low flow periods, which typically occur during the late summer. This is why we contribute monthly to ocean saving charities. We couldnt talk out of fear wed breathe them in. . Dragontail is located to the left of Aasgard Pass, the super steep route that one can hike . Distance is close to 9.6-10 miles Id say. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The nearby Leavenworth area has plenty of activities, including shopping, dining, and attractions. The first 1.5 miles of the hike are fairly easy and flat. From there, take Highway 970 east for 30 miles until it dead-ends into Highway 9. Geologically, Colchuck Lake is located within a "cirque," a glacier valley's summit where high cliffs form a bowl-shaped basin. Now I know why its breathtaking bc it was a mod/hard hike I would say. The lake is home to many types of wildlife, including deer, bear, bobcat, cougar, fox, coyote, and mountain goat. Pictures dont even do it justice! Amazing even though it was raining. Straight ahead the path to Stuart Lake rolls out, while the Colchuck Lake Trail breaks off to the left. The final ascent to the lake is by far the most challenging. A photo of Colchuck Peak in Chelan County. Its beautiful at this spot and I would recommend standing in the middle of the bridge and having a friend take photos from below for some great shots. But overall a great day!! "Colchuck" means "very cold water" in Chinook, which is appropriate for a glacier lake. Colchuck Lake hike, Colchuck Lake trail, Colchuck Lake trail, Colchuck Lake trail, Colchuck Lake trail, Colchuck Lake sunrise, Colchuck Lake trail, Lake Colchuck, Lake Colchuck, Colchuck Lake trail, Colchuck Lake, Colchuck Lake, Colchuck Lake, Colchuck Lake, Colchuck Lake, lake Colchuck, lake Colchuck, lake Colchuck, lake Colchuck, lake Colchuck, lake Colchuck. After the first mile, the trail begins to intensify in elevation. This time the other side turns into a totally different terrain in the form of a large boulder field with an ominous ridgeline above. Definitely the hard part was figuring out parking. Saw tons of kids on the hike though! Lots of mosquitoes out - dont take too long of a break in the forest. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry! There are basically two camping options that will put you in the perfect position to get up, snag a parking spot at the trailhead, and hit the trail. Visitors have to make the eight-mile round trip up to Colchuck Lake if they want to see its pristine blue waters. Like most native Washingtonians, Ive always dreamed of hiking the Colchuck Lake Trail. Personally, Id make the effort to start the hike earlier (closer to 7am) because the crowds fill the trail by 9am, also parking will be hard to find and you may need to shuttle in. Make sure to follow "Leave no Trace" principles while visiting Alpine Lakes Wilderness. what a treat to see this in the outerhouse ;-) About 4 miles of gravel road to the Stuart Lake trailhead was rough but passable with any car if you drive slowly. A busy Saturday. Make sure to pack extra snacks and water bc youll need it. Please remember that there are no campfires allowed at this altitude. Depending on the lake's depth, it has a maximum elevation of 1,699 m above sea level and a surface area of around 0.35 sq. Its awesome. My mom (aged 55) did this hike last summer and loved it! Photo by Paul Kriloff. There are two points of entry into the Enchantments: the Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead and the Snow Lakes Trailhead. The trail gains 2,280 feet in elevation over 4.5 miles. These massive mountains act as the guardians of The Enchantments, which lie just beyond them, but is only reached after an incredibly difficult climb. The information on Traverse the PNW should be used at your own risk. There is a $5 parking fee. This part of the Colchuck Lake trail will take you past exposed tree roots and rocky terrain, proper shoes are essential (you can see the trail in the photo above). The lake is located within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and requires a 4.5-mile hiking approach to reach it. Set beneath two of Washingtons tallest peaks, Colchuck Lake is an alpine gem. On the way up, we stopped to give the kids snacks and water after each mile walked, and we spent some time at the lake. Second, bring proper clothing and shoes. National Forest: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District. Colchuck Lake is a fantastic spot for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike. Thanks for your advice. Learn from my misadventure with the mosquitoes taking one for the team. Surrounded by alpine meadows and towering granite peaks, the Colchuck Lake hike offers visitors a spectacular view of natures beauty and serenity. Its worth the extra effort to get some solitude to yourself if you can. It looked like glass, a perfect mirror. It should take around 2.5-3 hours to hike out to Colchuck Lake and another 1.5-2 hours back to your car. [1]:9 The State Supervisor of Hydraulics issued Permit Number 828 in January 1927 for the requested amount.

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