Trek to Turquoise Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake Trail

Embark on a journey through dense pine forests and rugged switchbacks to reach the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Colchuck Lake, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Cascades.

Last updated: Mar 2024

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Free access; parking and permits may incur fees.
More than 500 Miles from you
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Description

Discover the breathtaking Colchuck Lake, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, featuring stunning turquoise waters and picturesque alpine views. This iconic hike near Leavenworth, Washington, offers an unforgettable adventure through lush forests, rocky terrains, and spectacular mountain vistas. Embark on a journey through dense pine forests and rugged switchbacks to reach the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Colchuck Lake, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Cascades. Begin your adventure at the Stuart Lake Trailhead, located near the charming Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. The initial part of the hike is a serene walk through a lush pine forest, with gentle terrain and occasional views of Mountaineer Creek. As you progress, prepare for a challenging ascent filled with steep, rocky switchbacks, leading you to a breathtaking vista of Colchuck Lake's azure waters set against the dramatic backdrop of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks.

Perfect for

For solo

For two

Outdoorsy

Challenging

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Itinerary

Start at Stuart Lake Trailhead, following the path through the dense forest.
Cross Mountaineer Creek via a log bridge; the trail steepens past this point.
At the junction, take the left towards Colchuck Lake, navigating through rocky switchbacks.
Reach the granite rockface offering the first glimpse of Colchuck Lake.
Follow the trail along the lake's western edge, exploring the serene alpine environment.

Location

Leavenworth, Washington

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Packing List

Comfortable, sturdy hiking boots
Sunscreen and hat for protection
Ample water and high-energy snacks
Layered clothing for changing weather conditions
Swimwear for a refreshing dip in the lake
Camera to capture the stunning landscapes

4.8 ● Google reviews

Would not recommend the road for tiny cars, but our Mini Cooper persevered. We did the Colchuck lake hike. Got there at 9am and lot was 95% full. When we came down around 1pm lot was full and cars were parked along side the road. Trail is moderate to hard, not a regular hiker but I'm familiar with this level and was huffing and puffing the whole way. Doable for those who aren't in the best shape if they just take their time. The reward is well worth the work. Absolutely breathtaking alpine lake. Lots of cute, hungry chipmunks who will steal your food

Gorgeous views at the end of a moderate/hard trail. Definitely worth the trip- the lake is magnificent! Probably plan on 4ish hours plus additional time if you plan to hike around the lake too. Parking seemed to fill up pretty fast when we were there in September.

Amazing trail with views that are well worth it. Bring a swimsuit because diving into the lake after the hike is an amazing feeling (although the water can be very cold) The hike is quite strenuous, so be prepared for that. Bring enough water, at least 1 liter per person. The first mile is relatively easy, the last mile is by far the toughest. We walk fairly quickly and it took us 2 hours to get to the lake at the top. (4 hours for the round trip) Once you reach the lake the trail becomes harder to find and follow, there’s many little trails going to the water. Just find a spot to sit down and enjoy the amazing views! Parking at the trail head can be a bit tricky. There is a small parking lot but that is mostly for overnight parking. For day visitors just park along the road leading up to it. We arrived around 8 in the morning and while the parking lot was full there was plenty of space along the road. Be sure to have a parking pass (can be bought with exact change in an envelope at the trail head or use a card like the national park pass)

This hike was beautiful at the end but definitely a challenge for those who are unaccustomed to hiking. There were numerous cars in the parking lot when we arrived at 0700 but it never once felt like the trail or the lake was overcrowded. The trail is in great condition but there are many tripping hazards to be aware of.

Absolutely stunning! Wear HIKING BOOTS! Don’t wear running shoes please!! Bring a bladder bag, your hydro flask is not enough. Bring some food for when you arrive, trekking poles, and a bathing suit to get in the water! It’s so beautiful and well kept, but Mother Nature makes you work for it. Prepare for a steep hike and enjoy your time! Took us about 2.5 hours but heard of some people taking 5 + hours to hike. It is steep in some parts.

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