Colchuck Lake Hike
We hadn’t heard of this hike until my sister’s husband mentioned it during our stay in Spokane. We had every intention of doing some hiking while in the area as we explored Leavenworth’s German themed town, but we didn’t think we’d know of any awesome hikes until we arrived in the area and maybe checked with the local National Forest ranger station.
The trail to Colchuck lake is about 9 miles round trip and has 2200 feet of elevation gain. It is a steep rocky trail but so rewarding to see the brilliantly bright blue water of Colchuck Lake surrounded by high alpine granite peaks.
If you love this hike and want something even more challenging it’s also a gateway into the Enchantments for longer and even more strenuous hiking.
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Things We Didn’t Like About The Hike
Let me just say that the hike, overall, was great. When I say things like that it makes me feel better about dragging it through the mud, so here goes!
The elevation gain was consistent for a while, and then brutally steep for a long while. I was still feeling the after effects of it for about 3 days after we were done.
That, and the lower half of the hike is absolutely inundated with flies, mosquitoes, overly curious bees, and all manner of irritating bugs. It was so bad that we almost quit part way through just to get away from the swarm of bugs that persistently followed us up to the 5,000 foot level.
For some reason, after 5,000 feet of elevation, 90% of them just disappeared and made for pleasant hiking again.
Things We Loved About The Hike
The pictures tell the story the best, but once we made it up to the lake, the whole hike was worth it!
She’s smiling because in the middle of the bridge, the bugs mostly left us alone.
Finally, above 5000 feet! The scenery was amazing and the lack of bugs was even better!
Consistent, uphill climbing.
Another nice overlook.
Christine, posing with the lake and one of the glaciers in the background.
The color of the water was unreal. Thankfully, the camera was able to capture it.
Dipping feet in glacial waters.
The whiteness of my chest clearly overloaded the camera’s sensors. You can tell that the shirt doesn’t come off very often. It’s for the best!
This is the facial expression you make when jumping into frigid waters. While painful at the time, it’s pretty refreshing after a long hike, but maybe only once you get back out.
Another shot of some of the mountains surrounding the lake.
In the upper right you can see Colchuck Glacier.
