Distance
8.0 miles roundtrip
Trail Guide
Colchuck Lake Trail
8.0 mi roundtrip · 2,200 ft gain · Moderate · Colchuck Lake
Trail Stats
Elevation Gain
2,200 ft
Highest Point
5,580 ft
Trailhead Elevation
3,400 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Type
Out And Back
Features
Turquoise alpine lake
Dragontail Peak views
Enchantments gateway
Technical Notes
Stunning turquoise lake surrounded by granite peaks of the Stuart Range. Gateway to the Enchantments (permit required for overnight). Trail follows Mountaineer Creek through forest then opens to the lake basin. Rocky final mile. Day-use doesn't require a permit. Very popular — trailhead fills early. Long drive on gravel road.
Getting There
Trailhead
Stuart / Colchuck Lake Trailhead
Eightmile Rd (FR-7601), Leavenworth, WA
Parking: ~60 spaces
From Seattle
115 mi · 150 min drive
I-90 East to US-97 North, then US-2 West to Leavenworth. South on Icicle Creek Rd, then left on Eightmile Rd (FR-7601) to the trailhead. ~2.5 hours from Seattle.
Planning Details
Best Season
June through October
Dogs Allowed
Yes
Required Pass
Northwest Forest Pass
Annual: $30.00 · Day: $5.00
Mountain
Colchuck Lake · 5,580 ft · Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Avalanche Forecast
Check current avalanche conditions for the Colchuck Lake zone before your trip.
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