"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
On July 8, 2001, we camped at Eight Mile Campground, which is near Leavenworth, Washington. This was an excellent spot nestled between high mountain walls with a powerful river/stream rushing just 150 feet away. We broke camp and went to the Colchuck/Stuart Lakes Trailhead and started out at about 8AM. It was very cool, almost too cool for a t-shirt, but it made the 2000' gain in elevation, over 4.1 miles, very comfortable. We reached Colchuck Lake after 2.5 hours of steady hiking. All reports that I have read on this lake were underestimations, in my opinion. It is absolutely gorgeous. The lake is set at the base of surrounding craggy rock peaks, complete with glacier action. The color of the water is what ices the cake. It is a brilliant, almost glowing, blue-green. The rocks on the shore are virtually white, making this one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It easily rivals the Tetons or the view from Hurricane Ridge.
We met a 70-year-old man and his wife who told us that we should go on to Stuart Lake as long as we were here. He had climbed Asgaard Pass to the Enchantment Lakes as a younger man and suggested doing that in October when the Larch trees are turning. We accepted his suggestion and went on to Stuart Lake. Again, very beautiful, but not equal to Colchuck.
After we returned to the parking lot I figure we walked about 12.5 miles. We were very sore that night. We met a total of about 10 people on the trail. It was so completely worth it. Go to Colchuck Lake. It is pure magic. The trail was good and it is steep for the last 1.5 miles to Colchuck. Do the hike up while it is cool. I will be back to go to the Enchantments.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions.
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