Colchuck Lake
About
What It Is
Colchuck Lake is a freshwater alpine lake sitting at approximately 5,570 feet above sea level on the western slope of the Enchantments, within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Chelan County, Washington. [3] It lies roughly 15 miles from the town of Leavenworth and drains into Mountaineer Creek, a tributary of Icicle Creek. [3] The lake's name derives from a Chinook Jargon word meaning "cold water" or "ice." [3] It is also managed by the Icicle and Peshastin Irrigation Districts as a water storage reservoir, contained by a masonry dam built in the late 1930s. [3]
The lake covers approximately 87.8 acres and sits in a basin of rocky, igneous tonalite geology mapped as part of the Mount Stuart Batholith. [3] It serves as one of two trailhead gateways into the broader Enchantments area, alongside the Stuart Lake trail. [1]
Activities & Experiences
Visitors can hike an 8-mile roundtrip trail to reach the lake, gaining roughly 2,280 to 2,300 feet in elevation along the way. [1] The route passes through forested stretches along Mountaineer Creek, crosses two log bridges, and climbs a boulder-strewn talus slope before arriving at a granite overlook above the lake. [1] From the shoreline, hikers have direct views of Dragontail Peak, Colchuck Peak, remnants of the Colchuck Glacier, and Aasgard Pass. [1] The lake also offers spots for swimming and rest along its shores. [2]
The trail continues roughly two-thirds of a mile along the lakeshore past established campsites, through subalpine fir and larch groves, toward the base of the Colchuck Glacier terminal moraine. [1] Fall foliage, mountain views, and access to summit routes make the area attractive across multiple seasons. [1]
Practical Access
The trailhead is reached by taking Icicle Road approximately 8.5 miles from Leavenworth, then turning onto dirt road 7601 and following it four miles to the road's end. [2] A valid America the Beautiful Pass or Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking. [1] A self-issued Alpine Lakes Wilderness day-use permit is also required for travel within the Colchuck Lake area. [3] Overnight backcountry camping requires a separate permit, which must be applied for online and carries a fee; overnight permits are also available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. [1][2]
The trail is rated moderate to difficult, with the second half becoming steep and rocky. [1] The hike is approximately 9 miles roundtrip according to one source and 8 miles according to another, reaching a highest point of 5,580 feet. [1][2] In summer, the trailhead parking lot fills quickly and overflow parking extends along the access road. [1]
Restrictions
Dogs are not permitted on this trail or within the wilderness area. [1][2] A self-issued wilderness permit is required for all visitors transiting the Colchuck Lake area, and a separate backcountry permit with an online application fee is required for overnight camping. [1][3] Camping along the lakeshore is managed under the same permit system as the broader Enchantments area. [1]
What Makes It Distinctive
Colchuck Lake offers views and terrain comparable to the Enchantments — including larch groves and glacier remnants — but is reachable with considerably less effort and without the highly competitive Enchantments permit lottery. [1] The lake's striking color shifts from deep blue in shade to bright aquamarine in direct sunlight, framed by the twin spires of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks. [1] Its dual role as a wilderness destination and an active irrigation reservoir, complete with a late-1930s masonry dam, gives it an unusual layered history uncommon among alpine lakes in the region. [3]
Sources
- Open year-round
- Best months: July–September
- Typical duration: 10h
Access & fees
- day-use wilderness permit
- overnight camping permit
- parking pass required
Things to do
- backcountry camping
- day hiking
- enchantments gateway access
- fishing
- photography
- picnic / relax by the lake
- stargazing
- swimming
- walk/explore the lakeshore
- wildlife and nature watching
Best time to visit
- summer and fall
Features
- alpine reservoir lake
- colchuck glacier remnants
- dragontail and colchuck peaks views
- fall-color viewing
- larch groves, far shore
- masonry dam, late 1930s
Nearby
- enchantment lakes
- leavenworth, wa
- stuart lake trailhead
Good to know
- colchuck lake is absolutely a top 10-caliber washington experience.
- dogs prohibited
- there is a basic toilet at the trailhead, but visitors should not expect conventional restroom facilities at the lake.
- trailhead parking limited
- trailhead via usfs road 7601
Photos
