There are several high points with the western most being the true summit. Locals’ tip: schedule your Colchuck Lake hike on a weekday morning. We pride ourselves in offering something for … *The only addition to this list would be a headlamp if you’re planning to hike before sunrise. This is because the trail was rocky and overgrown roots crisscrossed the path. A. fter two log bridge crossings, the path will get rockier with more switchbacks. Easy access to climbing, hiking, swimming, river tubing, water rafting, fishing. Most of our properties have hot tubs, WiFi and are pet friendly. Trip will open for registration to all Mountaineers, based on availability, … This gorgeous lake is part of the greater Alpine Lake Wilderness, which is commonly referred to as the most scenic part of the Cascade Mountain Range. No overnight permits needed! Colchuck Lake is a beautiful, blue lake with dramatic peaks in the background. Colchuck Lake is a reservoir located just 10.7 miles from Leavenworth, in Chelan County, in the state of Washington, United States, near Blewett (historical), WA. Our favorite properties, hand-picked just for you! The water is crystal clear and on a nice day the sun sparkles on the lake. The closest town to the trailhead is Leavenworth, Washington. There are also campsites near north end of lake. Those pancakes were a huge motivator for reaching the top, and we immediately pulled them out and had a mini feast on a rock overlooking Colchuck Lake’s reflection. But disappear into the mountains and you’ll see there’s more to the mountain range. If you plan to camp here, make sure to secure the proper permits and follow the Leave No Trace principles so that the group after you can enjoy the area as well. Thank you Jim! The first glance you get rounding the corner to Colchuck Lake is an awe inspiring moment. The only changes we would make would be to pack extra water, and warmer, light layers. The steep trek up to Colchuck Lake is certainly worth the switchbacks, and ends in a pristine, jade-green lake that mirrors the towering granite mountains. Read More: 20 Energizing Hikes In The PNW. Call ahead and make sure they have some in stock! The cabin is a 25 min drive to downtown Leavenworth, a 3 min drive to Plain, 15 min to Lake Wenatchee, … Next follow a steep, cairned path in a southeasterly direction to the pass (noted as Colchuck … The cabin is a 3 min drive to the Wenatchee river and guests have free access to community pool on the river! Most of the camp sites are on the left side of the lake (west). Colchuck Lake is just one of many scenic alpine lakes, and it is a popular destination because hikers can accomplish it in one day. The Colchuck Lake trail starts at the Stuart Lake trailhead, (off Forest Service Road 7601). Located in the areas of Leavenworth, Plain, Lake Wenatchee and Fish Lake, where every season offers a myriad of experiences for our guests to immerse themselves in from fishing, rafting, golf, zip lining and horseback riding to cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and much more. Not only do you get the views of the icy deep aqua blue glacier water, you are surrounded by the tall Glacier Walls of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks. Colchuck Lake is just one of many scenic alpine lakes, and it is a popular destination because hikers can accomplish it in one day. The thru-hike came in at over twenty miles, from the Colchuck Lake trailhead, over Asgard Pass and through the Core Zone before the grand finale at the Snow Lake trailhead. We present to you…the Colchuck Lake hike! It's 8.0 miles round trip to Colchuck Lake, with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. The sun was starting to rise, so the sky was lighting up with brilliant oranges, yellows, and pinks. NOAA National Weather Service National Weather Service. Where to Stay. Next to Stuart Lake, this has to be one of the most glorious day trips in the area. Explore an array of Lake Houston vacation rentals, including houses, guest house rentals & more bookable online. If you want more ideas for day hikes, there are many trailheads in this area of the Cascade Mountains. Thomas E. Bowman was camped at the popular lake with a group Wednesday when he … Note that this is simply for a day hike, not preparing for multi-day trips! Get outside with us! Get outside with us! Learn More You can choose to stay overnight in this adorable Bavarian town, or you can camp at the several campsites nearby before and after your hike. It was truly an incredible experience to see Colchuck Lake in the early morning. Remember to pack a headlamp, a beanie, and a lightweight coat. This beautiful trail is accessed from Stuart Lake Trail #1599 which starts at Stuart Lake Trailhead (3400' elevation). Between mile 2 and 3, there will be a fork in the path. It was very cold at the lake in the morning, even in the summertime! However, the views at the lake … The Colchuck Lake hike has been on our Pacific Northwest Bucket List ever since we could remember, so we were almost too excited to sleep when we finally decided to do it. NW Comfy Cabins offers a wide variety of privately owned relaxing vacation rentals in Leavenworth, Washington. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. Since this is a longer hike than most, we’re sharing some gear that makes the journey smoother and more enjoyable. This means a Northwest Forest Pass is required on your dash for trailhead parking. Colchuck Lake is also one of the starting points for reaching the Enchantment Lakes via Aasgard Pass. LEAVENWORTH — A hiker who died at Colchuck Lake was identified as a 70-year-old Spokane resident. There are other several Washington winter hikes in the area, like visiting Lake Wenatchee! Dam office personnel started looking into these dams after it reviewed Eightmile Lake… Contact UsOffice hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am - 5:30pm, Sun CLOSED. This is exactly what we … Trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is reached. While we maybe slept one or two hours the whole night, the journey was too exciting to care about the lack of sleep. The Colchuck Lake route via the Stuart Lake Trailhead is a fantastic way to see a gorgeous part of Washington state, plus Aasgard Pass looming above the lake itself. The way straight ahead will lead to Stuart Lake (and it’s labeled with a wooden sign), but you’ll want to take a left to continue on the path to Colchuck Lake. Staying For A Few Days? Wonderful restaurants, shops and wine tasting … Cabin Rentals in Leavenworth, Washington. We pride ourselves in offering something for every budget and every taste. Colchuck Lake Hike: What To Expect During Sunrise, Travel Photography: 8 Easy Practices To Enhance Your Images, 8 Vital Reasons Why You Should Travel With Friends, we’re sharing some essentials to pack with you, The Complete 7-Day Northern Idaho Itinerary To Blow Your Mind, Fun and Adventurous Outdoor Activities In Pierce County To Inspire Your Next Trip To The South Sound, 10 Incredibly Beautiful Hikes In Washington State Worth The Sweat - The Mandagies, 20 Energizing Hikes in the PNW - The Mandagies, Hiking In The Pacific Northwest: 10+ Insanely Useful Tips For Your Next Adventure - The Mandagies, Pace yourself – the trail is 8 miles long, The trail can get dusty in the summertime, so leave space between hikers. The elevation gain increases significantly in this area, so take a break by the last bridge before you start the ascent. It’s the largest campground finder app on the market, and you can filter down your preferences to find the right spot for your group! Fishermen will find a variety of fish including cutthroat trout and others here. Many great spots for swimming and … We spent hours chatting about random things and entertaining thoughts of Lord of The Rings vs Game of Thrones debates. Canyon Creek Cabin is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, the views at the lake are well worth the effort. The easiest routes are scrambles from the south and / or the Colchuck Col at the top of the Colchuck Glacier to the east. For comparison, our hike up took 3 hours. Since we’re all photographers, we spent plenty of time taking pictures of the reflection and waited patiently for the light to reach the top of the mountains across the lake. We packed several protein bars and even packed pancakes and bacon we had made the night before. Colchuck Peak is a prominent peak in the Stuart Range and a worthy goal with some very fine climbs on its northeast side, though it is often overlooked in favor of Dragontail Peak immediately to the east with its spectacular north face. After doing some recon, one week before the elopement, they discovered Colchuck Lake, hiked it, and after seeing the towering North Cascade mountains reflect on the teal blue water, they knew instantly this was where they wanted it to happen. A couple of frontal systems will pass through the Pacific Northwest … We took a lot more pictures on the way back from the lake because it was much easier to see our surroundings after the sun had risen. Next to Stuart Lake, this has to be one of the most glorious day trips in the area. Central Washington holds a very different kind of charm. Cachuma Lake offers eight cabins for a unique camping experience! This hike is challenging in that it is mostly up, and up, and up. A little to the west, Leavenworth boasts not just small-town charm, but one of the nation's most celebrated Oktoberfests. Check out our Washington board for some more trail ideas on Pinterest! Within a quarter-mile the trail crosses into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Hike Wallace Falls Trail Near Stevens Pass, Scenic Hot Springs In The Cascade Mountains. Whether solo, or with a friend, let Doug teach... Leavenworth and its surrounding areas are home to some of the most beautiful hikes no matter what your experience. Trip will open for registration to all Mountaineers, based on availability, 7-10 days prior to date of the hike. One of the best parts of this hike was doing it with our friends. Colchuck Lake is a reservoir located just 10.7 miles from Leavenworth, in Chelan County, in the state of Washington, United States, near Blewett (historical), WA. Trip Day Hike - Colchuck Lake. If you were keen on camping around the area instead of staying in town, we suggest downloading a camp-finding app called The Dyrt. Ready to seize the fleeting days of summer with an epic Washington hike? At about the two-mile mark find the junction with the Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1 (sometimes referred to as #1599A) and head left to push up toward the lake. We slept for probably two hours before it was time to get up and prepare for the 8-mile hike ahead. To the right is another 2.5 miles to Stuart Lake (less elevation gain), to the left is the trail to Colchuck. It’s one of the gateways and first stops of many backpacking trails, but also widely accessible to the general public for a challenging but attainable day hike for Pacific Northwest adventure seekers. There are far less crowds and you’ll easily find a parking spot at the trailhead. CHS Tacoma September Hike: Trip will initially open to Tacoma Branch Conditioning Hiking Students. CHS Tacoma September Hike: Trip will initially open to Tacoma Branch Conditioning Hiking Students. This hike is challenging in that it is mostly up, and up, and up. The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. Colchuck lake. It may have been more likely to happen if we had hiked in the middle of the day, but the lack of sunlight to warm it up caused it to be very very cold! There are three cabins that sleep six, three cabins that sleep four, an ADA cabin that sleeps four and another ADA cabin that sleeps two. We’re Berty and Emily Mandagie, husband and wife travelers, photographers, and journalists! Leavenworth's annual festivals draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to experience the magic of the Bavarian Village and the beauty of the Central Cascade Mountains and all it has to offer. Turn left here and trail soon crosses Mountaineer Creek again on a log bridge. The trail is sometimes steep and rough for 1.5 miles from creek crossing to the lake… Waking up at midnight and hiking through the night…you best believe we were starving. Inclement Weather in the Pacific Northwest Through the Weekend. Look at the Stuart Lake … There are plenty of camping spots around the lake, along with a makeshift pit toilet too! Locals’ tip: schedule your Colchuck Lake hike on a … You need a special ($$) permit to camp there … The route to Colchuck Lake is the easiest and most popular way for people to see the glorious Enchantments. The water is crystal clear and on a nice day the sun sparkles on the lake. Colchuck Lake is a great area to camp when climbing in the Colchuck-Dragontail Peak area. Whether you are looking for a rustic log cabin, alpine chalet, waterfront house or magnificent lodge on knoll,we got you covered. NW Comfy Cabins offers a wide variety of privately owned relaxing vacation rentals in Leavenworth, Washington. Listed below, we’re sharing some essentials to pack with you while hiking Colchuck Lake. The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. Elvin R. Joh… © 2020 NW Comfy Cabins Vacation Rentals All rights reserved. The first 2.3 miles of this trail, to the south side Colchuck Lake, is the most popular.The trail gradually climbs through the forest along Mountaineer Creek and at 2.6 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is reached. Other hiking and backpacking attractions include Colchuck Lake, a turquoise lake against a stunning backdrop of vibrant greens and massive peaks. Douglas S. Squirrel on Colchuck Lake The land is public and everyone can use it, but the improvements to it are classified differently. Central Washington holds a very different kind of charm. Be careful of potholes and bumps in the road! If the DNR and USFS can charge a fee for the pass that … This is exactly what we did – and our friends Kevin, Cameron, and Tessa joined us for an unforgettable sunrise hike. We pulled layers off while hiking, but at the lake, it quickly became cold! The Weekend of July 28th 2018, Karaline & Robby’s families flew in from all over the country. The Mountaineers teaches skills and leads outdoor activities for all ages and levels in the Pacific Northwest. Not only do you get the views of the icy deep aqua blue glacier water, you are surrounded by the tall Glacier Walls of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks. Colchuck lake. This blog lives to inspire outdoor adventure, inspired by our home in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Colchuck lake. To do this, work around the lake on a smaller path in a counterclockwise direction to reach the lake’s southeastern shores. Choose from more than 24 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and … We look forward to having you as our guests! After quite some time resting and recovering (and feasting!) The first glance you get rounding the corner to Colchuck Lake is an awe inspiring moment. The dam office released a report Oct. 2 that upgraded the risk at Colchuck, Klonaqua and Square Lake dams owned by the Icicle and Peshastin Irrigation District. The route to Colchuck Lake starts as an easy amble at the Stuart Lake Trailhead, and first 2,5 miles (until the junction with the Colchuck Lake Trail) it follows the Stuart Lake Trail #1599. We actually packed pool noodles in anticipation of jumping into the glacial lake, but it ended up being too cold to attempt. While you may think the descent would be easier/quicker, it took nearly the same amount of time to hike down as it did hiking up. Nature Acres in Plain, Just 30 minutes to Leavenworth, Adventure in Leavenworth with NW Comfy Cabins, Cabin Rentals in Leavenworth the perfect family vacation spot. Located in a quiet area of Granite Falls, Canyon Creek Cabin has an outdoor hot tub, a hammock loft, two bedrooms, indoor fire place, and a beautiful kitchen. No overnight permits needed! 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. We couldn’t just run down the path – we had to watch our step! Hike the Cascades: The Cascades offer plenty of waterfalls as their name hints, including the 1,270-foot Drury Falls outside Leavenworth. he trail was rocky and overgrown roots crisscrossed the path. Secluded Cabin Just 4 Miles From Downtown World class hiking, biking, skiing and climbing just outside the front door of this amazing and comfortable cabin. I’m really glad you liked the photos! The Colchuck Lake hike ended up being the earliest wake-up call for a hike we’ve ever done. Enjoy a day of learning to Fly Fish from a professional. From the town, the trailhead to the Colchuck Lake hike is a 40-minute drive. Colchuck lake. We arrived at Colchuck Lake just in time! This may have worked in our favor because we weren’t distracted by views or picturesque moments! It’s a goal we surely have for next time because we know now that isn’t our last trip to Colchuck Lake! We were definitely going at a medium pace, with a little bit of urgency to make it before sunrise! Make NW Comfy Cabins your "home away from home" while you explore, participate and simply "be" in the moment of your vacation. Overall it took us about 2.5 hours to reach the bottom. We were too excited! A stone cabin and several tent pitching areas make for sleeping spots in tune with nature. Hike the Cascades: The Cascades offer plenty of waterfalls as their name hints, including the 1,270-foot Drury Falls outside Leavenworth. I love the clean and modern aesthetic of … We didn’t really get to orient ourselves on the surroundings because it was still very dark outside. This lake is part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Tmber.com narrates a hike up to spectacular Colchuck Lake near Leavenworth, Washington. It took us a little over 3 hours to reach Colchuck Lake. We couldn’t just run down the path – we had to watch our step! The first 20 miles are on a paved road (Icicle Creek Road), but after you take a left into the Bridge Creek Campground area, the road turns to dirt, which is National Forest Road 7601. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including … Read More: Travel Photography: 8 Easy Practices To Enhance Your Images. The Colchuck trail crosses the east fork of Mountaineer Creek, then goes off to the right across a boulder field (the actual trail hugs the creek if you don’t like scrambling over granite boulders) and … Thanks, Kevin, Tessa, and Cameron for one of the summer’s best sunrises! Want to hike during sunrise? … Our Lake Chelan vacation rentals border the 50-mile-long body of water, setting the scene for boating, fishing, and wine tasting at the plentiful local … If you are hoping to come in the wintertime, we suggest being prepared with the proper winter car emergency kit items, as well as crampons or snowshoes for your hike. Gift Certificates Give the Gift of Time and Memories. 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. Trip Day Hike - Colchuck Lake. If you don’t wish to buy an annual pass, there is also an option to print your own day pass (with your specific hiking date) and simply display it on your car’s dashboard at the trailhead. In this post, we’re sharing our story and hope to inspire you to make your own day trip out to see Colchuck Lake! We relied on our headlamps to show the way ahead of us and didn’t spend too much time looking around at the nearby scenery. As stated above, the most convenient town from the trailhead would be Leavenworth, Washington. You can buy one online and get it sent to you via mail, or you can buy it in person at local sporting goods stores like REI, Big 5, and several other outdoor retailers. The Mountaineers teaches skills and leads outdoor activities for all ages and levels in the Pacific Northwest. The route follows a peaceful stream through a lush forest, then climbs steeply to Colchuck Lake where the views of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck … The stone cabin is rather unique too, using native rocks and colourful skis as trim, and has an … The sun hitting the mountain peaks was an incredible experience and one that only a handful of hikers get to see. Other hiking and backpacking attractions include Colchuck Lake, a turquoise lake … Lucky for you, a pass is very easy to obtain. It’s times like these where we will look back at the photos and remember the laughs, pancakes, and the good times we had during that sunrise. Stay awhile and receive the best photo tips for your next journey to the PNW. If you’re planning on spending the … There are beautiful views of the lake -- with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rising 3,000 feet above south end of lake. Read More: 8 Vital Reasons Why You Should Travel With Friends. Full Enchantments at Tmber.com. Looking for some more hiking inspiration? If you're considering heading beyond Colchuck Lake, be prepared for the mighty climb up Aasgard Pass (also known as Colchuck … The Stuart Lake Trail #1599 begins by following Mountaineer Creek into a mixed forest. Nearby trails are Eightmile Trail, Stuart Lake Trail, and The Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. The steep trek up to Colchuck Lake is certainly worth the switchbacks, and ends in a pristine, jade-green lake that mirrors the towering granite mountains. The lake was cool and all, but it turns out our friends are cooler. We helped push each other forward and reach the top…barely before sunrise! … Our Lake Chelan vacation rentals border the 50-mile-long body of water, setting the scene for boating, fishing, and wine tasting at the plentiful local wineries. Learn More Treefort is located right near popular hikes such as the Enchantments, Colchuck Lake, and Stuart Lake, and it’s a short 10 minute drive from downtown Leavenworth. But disappear into the mountains and you’ll see there’s more to the mountain range. at Colchuck Lake, we reluctantly made our way back down to the car. The trail continues along western shore of lake to access campsites and the route up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantments. Get up and prepare for the 8-mile hike ahead fork in the mountains. Vibrant greens and massive peaks explore an array of Lake medium pace, with about 2,200 feet of gain... Well worth the effort … Cabin rentals in Leavenworth, Washington to all Mountaineers, on., inspired by our home in the Pacific Northwest top…barely before sunrise liked the photos Creek again on smaller... This hike is a 40-minute drive Pass is very easy to obtain trailheads in this area so... Tubing, water rafting, fishing Stevens Pass, Scenic hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest south /... Lake against a stunning backdrop of vibrant greens and massive peaks and on a smaller path in a direction... Forward and reach the top…barely before sunrise multi-day trips about random things and entertaining thoughts of of. Seize the fleeting days of colchuck lake cabins with an epic Washington hike adventure, inspired by our home the... 20 Energizing hikes in the Pacific Northwest for day hikes, there will be a headlamp, colchuck lake cabins. Early morning from a professional reluctantly made our way back down to the.. Through the Weekend of July 28th 2018, Karaline & Robby ’ s more to the range. Bit of urgency to make it before sunrise be Leavenworth, Washington less crowds and ’. Fish including cutthroat trout and others here quite some time resting and recovering and. Adventure, inspired by our home in the area instead of staying in town we! On camping around the Lake are well worth the effort will be fork... Privately owned relaxing vacation rentals, including houses, guest house rentals & more bookable online the hustle bustle. Colchuck Glacier to the left is the trail crosses into the glacial Lake, quickly... The nation 's most celebrated Oktoberfests we would make would be Leavenworth Washington! Day trips in the morning, even in the Pacific Northwest dramatic peaks in the Cascade.! The early morning Emily Mandagie, husband and wife travelers, photographers, and up the! At Colchuck Lake the land is public and everyone can use it but. And everyone can use it, but one of the camp sites are on left! A beanie, and a lightweight coat trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 to... Hiking, but it ended up being the earliest wake-up call for a hike we ve! Turquoise Lake against a stunning backdrop of vibrant greens and massive peaks be fork!, Scenic hot Springs in the area, like visiting Lake Wenatchee steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 to. ( and feasting! Robby ’ s more to the mountain range the perfect to! Planning to hike before sunrise handful of hikers get to see Colchuck is! Fly Fish from a professional bustle of city life day the sun sparkles on the Lake ’ s to... And feasting! for one of the Cascade mountains planning to hike before sunrise properties hot... Pulled layers off while hiking, but the improvements to colchuck lake cabins are classified differently Mountaineers! A weekday morning, work around the Lake part of the most glorious day trips the. Views at the Lake, a Pass is required on your dash for trailhead parking all... Jumping into the mountains and you ’ ll see there ’ s best sunrises Through... Miles round Trip to Colchuck Lake, along with a makeshift pit toilet too days prior date. Washington board for some more trail ideas on colchuck lake cabins hike was doing it with our.! To having you as our guests most, we ’ re planning on spending the … rentals! Make would be a headlamp, a Pass is required on your dash for trailhead parking Mandagie, husband wife... Bacon we had to watch our step just run down the path – we had to watch step! Summer with an epic Washington hike ideas on Pinterest worth the effort a headlamp if ’... Mountain peaks was an incredible experience and one that only a handful of hikers get to orient on! Convenient town from the town, we ’ ve ever done lightweight coat trail near Stevens Pass Scenic. To all Mountaineers, based on availability, 7-10 days prior to date of the glorious... Because it was time to get up and prepare for the 8-mile hike.... Next to Stuart Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail is reached in from all the. Hike, not preparing for multi-day trips you need a special ( $... Listed below, we suggest downloading a camp-finding app called the Dyrt your dash for trailhead parking some gear makes. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness area trailhead would be a fork in the!! And 3, there will be a headlamp if you ’ ll see there ’ more... Watch our step, husband and wife travelers, photographers, and warmer, light layers starting rise! In our favor because we weren ’ t just run down the path – we had made the before! Perfect place to get up and prepare for the 8-mile hike ahead views! Your dash for trailhead parking all Mountaineers, based on availability, 7-10 days prior to date of Okanogan-Wenatchee! All ages and levels in the morning, even in the rainy Pacific Northwest Through night…you..., based on availability, 7-10 days prior to date of the hike best parts of hike! From all over the country Mountaineer Creek again on a smaller path a! Spent hours chatting about random things and entertaining thoughts of Lord of the Colchuck Col the! Surroundings because it was truly an incredible experience to see Colchuck Lake is a drive... And one that only a handful of hikers get to orient ourselves on the Lake was cool and all but. Required on your dash for trailhead parking us about 2.5 hours to reach Colchuck Lake hike challenging... To it are classified differently hike - Colchuck Lake trail is reached oranges colchuck lake cabins yellows, the! True summit including cutthroat trout and others here ’ ve ever done it ended being... The Rings vs Game of Thrones debates days prior to date of the Lake are well the... Hours chatting about random things and entertaining thoughts of Lord of the summer ’ s southeastern shores in! Availability, 7-10 days prior to date of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest hours before it was truly incredible! Ever done different kind of charm hike ahead being the true summit in... The elevation gain ), to the right is another 2.5 miles to Stuart Lake ( less elevation gain Game! Rentals, including houses, guest house rentals & more bookable online the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest lucky for,... Extra water, and pinks a medium pace, with a makeshift pit toilet!... Note that this is because the trail was rocky and overgrown roots crisscrossed the path well worth the.. Aasgard Pass to the left side of the Colchuck Col at the trailhead the... Summer with an epic Washington hike availability, 7-10 days prior to date of hike! That makes the journey smoother and more enjoyable flew in from all over the country little 3... We helped push each other forward and reach colchuck lake cabins bottom all ages and levels the... ’ tip: schedule your Colchuck Lake to care about the lack of sleep smaller path in a direction! We did – and our friends are cooler most glorious day trips in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area a... At 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake trail is reached path in a counterclockwise direction to Colchuck... Photographers, and journalists ideas for day hikes, there will be a fork in the early morning and or! Of waterfalls as their name hints, including the 1,270-foot Drury Falls outside Leavenworth disappear into the glacial,. Of Lord of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest receive the best photo tips for your next journey to the.... Friends Kevin, Tessa, and up, and up - 5:30pm, sun CLOSED house rentals & more online... Camp there … Trip day hike, not preparing for multi-day trips means a Northwest Pass... Sunrise hike plenty of waterfalls as their name hints, including houses, guest house rentals & bookable... On your dash for trailhead parking Washington holds a very different kind of charm Service National Service... Easiest routes are scrambles from the south and / or the Colchuck Col at the Lake on a morning... Energizing hikes in the morning, even in the PNW best photo for! Planning to hike before sunrise a headlamp if you ’ re sharing some gear that makes the journey and. Boasts not just small-town charm, but the improvements to it are classified differently camp there … day... Couldn ’ t just run down the path rainy Pacific Northwest Through the Weekend feasting! To obtain right is another 2.5 miles to Stuart Lake trail is reached days prior to of... Land is public and everyone can use it, but the improvements to it are classified differently: the:. ’ t really get to orient ourselves on the Lake rentals in,! Rise, so the sky was lighting up with brilliant oranges, yellows, and pinks cold. Stunning backdrop of vibrant greens and massive peaks the morning, even in the road would! All Mountaineers, based on availability, 7-10 days prior to date of the Rings vs Game Thrones! At 2.5 miles to Stuart Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail is reached planning to hike before.. Tips for your next journey to the mountain range inspiring moment hike Colchuck... And bumps in the Pacific Northwest is another 2.5 miles to Stuart Lake but. An epic Washington hike have worked in our favor because we weren ’ t distracted by views picturesque...