Colchuck Lake Trail
Colchuck Lake Trail focuses the visit on steep forest ascent to a granite-walled alpine lake and Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Glacier above clear water.
Artwork inspired by Richard Gilkey
Colchuck Lake sits beneath the granite walls of Dragontail and Colchuck peaks, reached by a sustained forest climb that steepens after the Stuart Lake junction. The turquoise basin is also a gateway to Aasgard Pass and the Enchantments, but the lake is a complete destination rather than merely a staging point.
Start early, carry water treatment, and expect roots, rock, creek crossings, and a tiring descent after the viewpoint. Day use does not require an overnight camping permit, while sleeping anywhere in the controlled zone does. Parking pressure never justifies roadside damage or blocking emergency access.
- Setting
- Leavenworth, Washington
- Permits
- Trailhead pass required; overnight Enchantments permit is separate
- Allow
- 4–8 hours
Quick guide
- Primary evidence
- steep forest ascent to a granite-walled alpine lake ↔ Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Glacier above clear water
- Do not omit
- the route transition that should control pace and turnaround
Four deliberate moves through Colchuck Lake Trail
- Begin
- Orient around a steep forest ascent to a granite-walled alpine lake.
- Do not miss
- Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Glacier above clear water.
- Look closer
- Record changes in grade, surface, exposure, vegetation, and water along Colchuck Lake Trail; the sequence explains the destination.
- Plan for
- Carry the permit appropriate to day or overnight use and park legally.
Good to know
If time contracts at Colchuck Lake Trail, keep the comparison between “steep forest ascent to a granite-walled alpine lake” and “Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Glacier above clear water” and remove peripheral stops from the route.
Notice these
- steep forest ascent to a granite-walled alpine lake
- Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Glacier above clear water
- 4–8 hours