🏔️ Colchuck Lake — An Alpine Lake Adventure Through the Cascades

If you've never been to Colchuck Lake, this is one of those Washington hikes that deserves a spot on your list.
We're heading east through the Cascades on scenic Highway 2, passing through the mountains and the Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth before continuing toward the Stuart Lake Trailhead.
Our destination is Colchuck Lake, one of the most spectacular alpine lakes in Washington.

The goal is to enjoy the entire day — the drive, the forest, the mountain scenery, the lake, the views, and the time we get to spend together once we arrive.

🏔️ Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak rise dramatically above the turquoise-blue lake, creating the kind of scenery that makes you want to stop, sit down, and simply take it all in. WTA describes Colchuck as an alpine gem surrounded by dramatic mountain terrain and notes that the first view of the lake can be especially spectacular.

### 🥾 About the Hike

Distance: ~8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~2,280 ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Trail Type: Out & back

We'll start on the Stuart Lake Trail, following Mountaineer Creek through the forest before turning toward Colchuck Lake.
The beginning of the hike is relatively gradual, but the trail becomes steeper and rougher as we get closer to the lake. Expect roots, rocks, uneven terrain, and a sustained climb toward the final stretch.
The effort is worth it.
When we finally come out of the forest and Colchuck Lake appears, you'll understand why this hike is so popular. The deep blue/turquoise water, granite peaks, and surrounding alpine landscape make for an incredible payoff.

### 🌲 The Plan: Take Your Time

We'll aim to reach the lake in approximately 3 hours, depending on the group's pace and trail conditions.

Once we're there, we're going to actually enjoy it.
We'll spend at least an hour at the lake, with time for:
📸 Photos
🥪 Lunch
🏔️ Taking in the mountain views
🌲 Exploring the lakeshore
😌 Relaxing and enjoying the scenery

We'll give ourselves time to immerse in the scenery.

The return hike should be considerably quicker than the climb, and once we're back at the trailhead, we'll regroup and begin the drive back.

🚗 Transportation & Carpool

Carpool: We’ll arrange carpools at the Bothell Park & Ride. For those who need a ride, please plan to contribute $35 directly to your driver

Meet: 7:30 AM
Carpool coordination: 7:30–7:45 AM
Departure: 7:45 AM sharp
(Earlier if everyone is ready.)
We'll arrange carpools at the Park & Ride before leaving.
We'll take Highway 2 through the Cascades toward Leavenworth, then continue toward the Stuart Lake Trailhead.
We'll make one planned stop at Nason Creek Rest Area for a restroom break and to give everyone a chance to stretch.
📍 Google Maps route:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nkoPUCwkkysih7vg6?g_st=iw

### 🅿️ Trailhead Parking

Parking at the Stuart Lake Trailhead can be limited. WTA currently lists approximately 20–30 parking spaces at the trailhead, and the area can fill up during busy periods.
Our goal is to arrive around 10:25 AM, and hopefully some parking spaces will have opened up by then.
If the main lot is full, we may need to park farther down the road and walk to the trailhead. This could add some additional walking distance to the hike, so please be prepared for that possibility.
We will only park where parking is legally allowed.

### ⏰ Approximate Schedule

7:30 AM — Meet at Bothell Park & Ride
7:30–7:45 AM — Carpool arrangements & final preparations
7:45 AM — Depart
~9:00 AM — Nason Creek Rest Area stop
~10:25 AM — Arrive near Stuart Lake Trailhead / parking
~10:30–11:00 AM — Final preparations & begin hiking
~2:00 PM — Target arrival at Colchuck Lake
~2:00–3:00+ PM — 🥪 Lunch, photos & enjoy Colchuck Lake
~3:00 PM+ — Begin return hike
~5:00 PM-ish — Return to trailhead
Afterward — Drive back

These times are approximate. Parking availability, traffic, trail conditions, and the group's pace may change the schedule. The hike is intentionally planned with flexibility rather than rushing everyone to meet an exact turnaround time.

### 🎒 What to Bring

Please come prepared for a full day in the mountains:

• 🥪 Heavy breakfast before we leave
• 🥪 Packed lunch
• 🍎 Plenty of snacks
• 💧 Plenty of water
• 🥾 Sturdy hiking shoes/boots
• 🦯 Hiking poles recommended
• 🧥 Weather-appropriate layers
• 🌧️ Rain jacket
• 🧢 Hat/sunglasses
• 🧴 Sunscreen
• 📱 Phone with offline maps
• 📸 Camera/binoculars if you have them

The weather can be very different between the trailhead and the lake, so bring layers even if the forecast looks comfortable in the morning.

### 🎟️ Pass

A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.
If you already have an America the Beautiful Pass, bring it with you.

### 🚫 Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on the Colchuck Lake trail.

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### ⚠️ Disclaimer

By RSVPing and attending, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety. Know your physical limits, come prepared, and help us make this a fun and safe adventure for everyone.
This is a moderate/hard hike with approximately 8 miles and 2,280 feet of elevation gain. The trail becomes steeper and rougher as we approach the lake, so please make sure you are comfortable with sustained uphill hiking and uneven terrain.
Trail and weather conditions can change, and the itinerary may be adjusted when necessary for the group's safety.