you complete an envelope with your license plate and insert $5 cash to park. Do wear gaiters for the occasional posthole or tree well. Used microspikes on the way down for some of it. parking is limited and was almost full when we arrived around 720am on a weekday Argonaut Peak rises in front of you to the south. There were several people coming from the lake asking if I was heading to the Enchantments - they took a wrong turn. This hike is challenging in that it is mostly up, and up, and up. This view is looking north. You will need a permit if you plan to camp overnight anywhere in the area (you do not need a permit for a day hike beyond the self-issue permit at the trailhead). Please note that it's a heavily ticketed and towed area so be sure to park properly. The trail was in great condition and I'd say about 85% of the hikers wore masks! Carried axes and some MSR snowshoes just for extra weight. Would do this hike again and again! Most of the camp sites are on the left side of the lake (west). I really started to struggle towards the end. This large, striking lake is set below Dragontail Peak and Aasgard Pass in the heart of the Stuart Range and Enchantments Lakes Basin.. my favorite hike of all time! Sitting at the gateway to the Enchantments, as the slopes of Asgard Pass dive down into the glacial green waters of this beautiful lake. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. Length 9 miElevation gain 2283 ftRoute type Out & back There is a second sturdy (although slightly sloping) log bridge shortly after the turnoff. The 7.7 … Read About these trails in our Hiking Guide Colchuck Lake; I left Everett for Leavenworth around 7:00 AM. It was really beautiful and also interesting to see the various campsites and campers. The snow covered everything and the environment was so different compared to my previous two hikes up Colchuck this past summer. Started on the trail @ 6:45am with one other group. Slippery due to ice patches throughout the trail. The elevation gain to Lake Stuart is 1700 feet, but spread out over 5 miles, it really is not a very tough hike. Not too busy for a Tuesday, I'm glad I got an early start to beat the heat and get decent parking. No Dogs are allowed on the trail and no fires are allowed at either lake. Colchuck Lake by Samanthazon. If you have a decent 4X4/AWD, don't let this deter you. The entire trail was already broken in and had a decent bootpack. Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. Washington is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Colchuck lake. If you plan on spending the night you will need a pass from the Leavenworth Ranger Station. You pay at the trail head. We knew we wanted to arrive at sunrise, so after some hiking time estimates and driving times, we realized we had a shocking 12:30 am wakeup call ahead of us. Trail is in decent condition though, very rocky and icy at some points. Road Beta: Snow free to lower TH. Beautiful! The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Head southwest on the Stuart Lake Trail. Conditions were good - no wind, no precip, decent visibility - could see all the peaks but clouds obfuscated the sun. Tiene un lago y es calificado como difícil. Make sure to bring poles and crampons. Went Nov 1st. Hiked 11/7. I honestly felt great on the way up - perhaps the adrenaline of seeing the lake. Colchuck Lake is beautiful in its own right, even without ascending Aasgard and entering the enchantments. I used one hiking pole which with the spikes made the hike a lot better. Didn’t need spikes but poles were pretty critical on way down in this section. It wasn’t such that you need microspikes but poles were helpful. recommend attempts at proper hiking footwear and winter clothing (crazy what i saw today...) and dont act like you’re late late to an important date (seriously self centered, rude, and dangerous); right of way goes to those going uphill. The Colchuck Lake hike is undoubtedly one of the PNW’s best and is VFC’s favorite, aside from what sits beyond the lakes in the Enchantments. Turn left towards Leavenworth. Parking is only allowed in the Eightmile and Stuart/Colchuck Trailhead Parking Lots. A couple trees down along the way but pretty simple to get by. Some folks had microspikes, some shared a single pair, saw some cool short snowshoes, and one or two somehow scrambling up in only boots. , there are campsites on both the west side and the trailhead snow and. Our hiking Guide Colchuck Lake is well marked and well used to grab lunch and take a left dirt. 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And entering the Enchantments - they took a wrong turn Peak rises in front of you the... Slightly sloping ) log bridge, and about 5 of us took the `` winter route from... May have to walk around the Lake was pretty easy hike for such amazing...