Colchuck Lake Hike near Leavenworth · Поход на озеро Колчак
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Colchuck Lake Hike near Leavenworth · Поход на озеро Колчак

by Eugene Paw
Sunday, August 2, 2026 · 10:30 AM
Duration6 hours
Distance9 mi
Elevation gain2300 ft
DifficultyHard
Group sizeMax 8
Minimum age16+
LanguagesEnglish, Russian
PriceFree
Meeting pointFS Rd 7601, Leavenworth, WA

Colchuck Lake is the one photo that makes people move to Washington. Turquoise glacier water sitting in a granite bowl, with Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks standing straight up behind it and Aasgard Pass cutting between them. You earn it: a steady climb through old-growth forest, then a rocky final push. Then you drop your pack, and the whole thing opens up in front of you. Afterwards we walk into Leavenworth for food before driving home. Eight spots, free, all levels of company welcome as long as your legs are up for the climb.

Trip details

TrailheadStuart Lake Trailhead, FS Rd 7601, Leavenworth, WA
Distance9 miles (14.5 km) round trip
Elevation gain2,300 ft (700 m)
DifficultyHard, a steady climb with rocky, uneven footing near the top
Time on trailAbout 6 hours including breaks at the lake
Group sizeMax 8 hikers, so everyone stays together
CostFree. You only pay for the parking pass and your share of gas

Pass & parking

A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required on the dashboard. A free day-use wilderness permit is also mandatory, you fill it out yourself at the trailhead kiosk before you start walking.

The lot fills by 7:00 AM on weekends. We arrive later on purpose, so plan to park along the forest road and walk an extra 1 to 2 miles to the trailhead. Factor that into your day.

Plan for the day

  1. 6:45 AMCarpool leaves Mukilteo
  2. 10:15 AMMeet at the trailhead
  3. 10:30 AMHike starts
  4. 4:30 PMBack at the cars
  5. 5:15 PMLeavenworth walk and food
  6. 6:45 PMDrive home
  7. 9:30 PMBack in Mukilteo

Carpool from Mukilteo

I am driving and there are 6 open seats in my car. We leave at 6:45 AM from 4700 Charter Lane, Mukilteo, and I can pick up at the Sultan Park & Ride on the way. Gas works out to roughly $10 to $12 per person. Message me if you want a seat.

e-mail EvgeniyTG text to Evgeniy:

What to wear

Shorts or hiking pantsT-shirt, or a UPF long sleeve if you burnCapSunglasses (optional)Hiking boots with stiff traction, this trail is rockyHiking socks, no cotton (Smartwool or Darn Tough)

What to pack

Water, 2 to 3 litresSnacks and lunchLight fleece, it is cold at the lakeSunscreen (optional)Bug spray (optional)Hiking poles (optional, they help on the descent)Dry underwear, socks and a spare T-shirt for the drive homeIf you are swimming: swimsuit, swim shoes and a compact microfiber towel

Good to know

Getting there

Stuart Lake Trailhead, FS Rd 7601, Leavenworth, WA

The trailhead parking lot completely fills by 6:30 to 7:00 AM on weekends. Since we arrive later, be ready to park along the forest service road and walk an extra 1 to 2 miles.

Get directions

What's included

First Aid Kit

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