Enchanted Hike to Colchuck Lake

Outdoor Rec

Aug 29

Written By

Colchuck Lake Delivers

Ready for a break from Lake Chelan? Looking for an activity to bond the whole family? Consider a day hike to Colchuck Lake. Perched at 5,500 feet, the lake offers unparalleled alpine beauty. And, the distance is doable - four miles to the water’s edge.

The Basics

Colchuck Lake is located up the Icicle Creek drainage near Leavenworth. Plan on two-hours to get to the trailhead. I like to leave at seven in the summer and stop at the Anjou Bakery for a coffee and treat along the way.

The driving route is simple. Turn left onto E. Leavenworth Road as you approach Leavenworth and save a good bit of time. Prepare for hordes of cars in the parking lot during the summer, but don’t fear – you won't feel crowded on the trail.Also, be sure to buy your Discover Pass before you get out of cell service. (You can buy it online and then write down your pass info on a blank piece of paper and place on your dashboard.)

I love the trail to Colchuck because of its gentle and shaded start. Your muscles warm up slowly and there is minimal sun-exposure.

But be prepared for a steep final assent.

The four-mile route climbs a respectable 2,300 vertical feet. The Washington Trails Association offers a good summary of the route. Just know you need to take a left turn to Colchuck a few miles in, otherwise you will find yourself at another pretty destination, Lake Stuart.

For the Day Hike Beginner

If hiking is a new activity for you, here are a few things to consider when it comes to shoes, water, food, and clothing.

First, start with good shoes.I like the support that a hiking boot offers.There are also countless ‘trail runner’ options.Bottom line, you want a shoe that offers a strong platform for all the diverse angles and conditions found along the trail.

After the shoes, pack a couple of water bottles. Hydration is the key on the trail. There are scores of lightweight and high-tech container options. I tend to go old school. A Gatorade bottle will do. So will any disposable plastic water bottle. (As long as the top doesn’t leak).

Next up, food! For a day-hike, I like to pack a few sandwiches the night before. Add in an apple, a few cookies, and some trail mix to snack on along the way and your tummy should be happy.

Pack a long sleeve shirt in any weather. Even if it is ninety in Chelan, pack a long sleeve shirt. If you go later in the fall, add more layers. Start with an outer shell and then add more internal layers depending on the forecast. A beanie in October feels cozy on the head.

Finally, it is good to make sure at least one person in your party has a simple first aid kit, a tube of sunscreen, and bug spray. You may not need any of them depending on conditions.But they are must-haves in the ‘be prepared’ category.

Stepping Stone to the Enchantments

Colchuck Lake is one of two portals to the Enchantments. If you like to backpack, a trip to the Enchantments is worth putting on the bucket list. The “Core Zone” stretches across a craggy landscape over 7,000 feet above sea level. Imagine pure rock and snow punctuated by blue lakes. Camping permits are given out in a lottery system.

A friend and I went up after permit season ended one year (October 31st). Yes, we did get snowed on. But the clouds passed the next morning.

The brilliance of the sun sparkling on the white expanse that morning will always be with me.