I first heard about Colchuck Lake by asking locals what I needed to prioritize during my first summer in Washington. Nine times out of ten, they told me to hike the Enchantments. After doing some research, I realized that tackling the Enchantments required serious planning. Instead, I decided to start with the Colchuck Lake hike. I enjoyed this trail so much that just a few weeks later, I completed the entire through-hike! There is so much to see and enjoy along the Colchuck Lake trail, and in this post, we’ll go over everything.
Colchuck Lake Trail Key Points
Distance: 8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,280 feet
Trail Traffic: Moderate to high
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Getting to Colchuck Lake from Seattle
To get to Colchuck Lake from Seattle you will need to first head to Leavenworth, Washington. Leavenworth is about a 1.5-2 hour drive east of Seattle. If you’re wondering exactly how far Colchuck Lake is from Seattle, the answer is 2 hrs and 44 minutes. You can take highway 2 or I-90, but I alway take highway 2 for the amazing views along the way. If you’re heading to Leavenworth on highway 2 make sure you stop at the iconic Bigfoot Espresso Chalet near Index, WA.
Once you make it to Leavenworth, you will then head up Icicle Canyon. You will not have cell service in the Canyon so take note of where you need to go before you lose service. Icicle Canyon is one of my favorite spots in Washington, and I love stopping along the river to soak in the views.
The Colchuck Lake trail is well marked. When you see the signs for Colchuck Lake follow those to the trailhead. The parking area for Colchuck Lake is large but I still recommend you arrive early in the morning. Colchuck Lake is one of the most popular trails in Washington and if you visit on a weekend you’ll want to show up early to find a place to park. You will also need either a valid Northwest Forest parking pass or $5 in cash to pay to park at the trailhead.
Colchuck Lake Overview
Trail Description
There is a reason that when you google “hiking trails in Washington” Colchuck Lake pops up in the top 10 every time. Colchuck Lake showcases all of the best things about this state. There are amazing views, a large lake to jump in at the end, and a well maintained trail. Another pro for me when i’m hiking alone is knowing there will be other people on the trail. You’ll be hard pressed to visit Colchuck Lake and not see any other hikers. It brings me peace of mind to know that there are other people around incase of emergency.
The trail starts out with steady incline, and continues on that way until you get up to the lake. It is a challenging hike because you’re climbing over 2000ft in only 4 miles. As always, just take your time and stop for as many breaks as you need. If you do this I truly believe that almost anyone can get to the iconic Colchuck lake. There’s not a lot you need to know about the trail. It’s straightforward and as long as you don’t stray from the main trail you shouldn’t get lost anywhere.
The Lake
Once you get to Colchuck Lake you’ll want to spend a few hours soaking it up. I love visiting this alpine lake in the summer so that I can jump in for a swim. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit and a microfiber towel to make the most of your time at Colchuck Lake! The water stays very cold all year, but if you’re hiking on a hot day it feels nice to jump in and then lay out on the rocks to dry.
Visiting in the winter is more of a scenic experience. You’ll need to check up to date trail information to ensure that the hiking conditions are safe. While you wont be able to swim in Colchuck Lake, you’ll get some of the most beautiful winter views in Washington state.
Where to Get Up to Date Information
For detailed trail information, reviews, and maps, check out AllTrails and Washington Trails Association. I always read through recent trail reviews on one of these platforms, especially if you need up to date information during snowy months.
Why Colchuck Lake?
One thing I was asking myself before completing the Enchantments hike was, “Is this really worth the hype?”. I can confidently say that yes, it’s worth the hype. The Enchantments hike is truly a bucket list item that I think everyone should try to complete if you have the time. If you don’t have the time for a 19 mile trail, Colchuck Lake is the next best thing! The trail up to Colchuck is gorgeous and well worth the steep incline. One thing that I kept thinking while I was sitting at Colchuck lake was how out-of-this-world it feels up there. The rocky peaks and turquoise water makes it feel like you are truly on another planet.
Other Trails Near Colchuck Lake
If you’re looking for a different trail in Icicle Canyon I recommend checking out Snow Lakes hiking trail. This is the other entry or exit point for the Enchantments hiking trail, and you will not be disappointed by these lakes. This trail is longer and more challenging, but you weave through what feels like a completely different forest than the forest near Colchuck lake. Snow Lakes are at a much lower elevation than Colcuck, so you will see denser pines. You also pass a few small lakes on your way up to the final destination. The last thing that I loved about hiking the Snow Lakes trail were the goats! I saw so many mountain goats near Snow Lake and that was very memorable for me.
Responsible Hiking
Remember, “pack it in, pack it out.” This practice ensures we leave no trace behind, preserving the beauty of Colchuck Lake for future adventurers. If you’re unsure about Leave No Trace principles, check out the guidelines here to make your hiking experience as eco-friendly as possible.
It is important that every time you head outside you leave it as good or better than you found it. I try my best to bring a small bag to pick up garbage along the trail and I recommend you do the same! Something small like this can make a huge impact on these popular hiking trails in Washignton.
The Best Food in Leavenworth
My favorite thing to do after a day of hiking is find a great place to eat. Luckily, Colchuck Lake is close to Leavenworth Washington! Below are a few of my favorite spots to get food in Leavenworth.
- The Stein: The Stein has my all-time favorite food in Leavenworth. If it’s up to me, i’ll choose to eat here each time i’m in town. I enjoy their many beer and cider options, as well as their refined menu. There are options for everyone, but they still keep it minimal enough that the food they do make is top tier. I love to order their pulled pork sandwich!
- Heidelburger Drive In: If you’re craving a classic burger, fries, and milkshake this is your spot. They also have great chicken sandwiches.
- Little Red’s Espresso & Bakery: Little Red’s is my favorite breakfast and coffee spot in Leavenworth. I always stop by for a coffee on my way into Leavenworth or before a hike in Icicle Canyon. If you’re looking for a good breakfast sandwich, Little Reds has a croissant/bagel sandwich that’s unreal!
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