If there’s one hike to do while in the PNW, it’s Colchuck Lake. Difficult? Yes. Worth the view? Also yes. The photos of the lake on travel blogs, Instagram reels, and AllTrails do not lie — Colchuck Lake is 100% worth the climb.

Located in Leavenworth, Washington, the Colchuck Lake trail is about 8 miles long with over 2,000 feet in elevation gain. The trail leads to Colchuck Lake — a gorgeous alpine lake that turns a spectacular aquamarine color on a sunny day. If that isn’t enough, the lake is surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, making the scene even more picturesque.

To help with navigation, you can find a map on AllTrails. 

Getting to the Colchuck Lake trailhead

The trailhead for Colchuck Lake is off Icicle Road in Leavenworth. Drive down Icicle Road until you reach Eight Mile Forest Service Road. Turn left and proceed about 3.5 miles until you reach a large parking area. The road is a typical forest service road: gravel, bumpy, and requires cautious driving. While the road is narrow and a bit gnarly in places, most vehicles should be able to make it to the trailhead. I’ve visited the area twice, and both times, I saw sedans (like Priuses, Subarus, and Teslas) complete the drive. However, if the weather is bad (snowing or severe rain), the road may be difficult to maneuver in a two-wheel drive vehicle.

Important note: Eight Mile Forest Service Road closes in the winter, usually sometime after November 1, depending on the weather. Hikers may still access Colchuck Lake in the off-season. However, they must hike the additional 3.5 miles up the forest service road.

The parking area at the Colchuck Lake trailhead is large with 50ish spots. However, some spots are reserved for overnight campers. So if you’re there for a day hike, be sure to park your vehicle in an appropriate spot. Once all of the parking spots are full, visitors can park along the right side of the forest service road. This typically happens on weekends during the summer and fall when the trail is most heavily used.

Parking for Colchuck Lake costs $5. There are credit card machines, but both times I’ve hiked Colchuck Lake, the machines were out of order. Therefore, I recommend bringing cash that you can deposit directly in the fee box. If you have the Northwest Forest Pass, you do not have to pay to park at Colchuck Lake. Just make sure your pass is hanging from your mirror or visible on your dashboard, and you’ll be good to go.

Hiking to Colchuck Lake

Unless you’re a super athlete, Colchuck Lake is a challenging hike. Not only is the trail nearly 8 miles long, but you also climb over 2,000 feet to reach 5,000 feet elevation. I’m not saying this to scare you — believe me, it’s an amazing trail that everyone should try to experience. I’m saying this so people can prepare accordingly. That means wearing proper hiking attire and shoes, bringing trekking poles (especially if you have knee issues), and having plenty of water — trust me, you’re gonna need it.

Are there people who find the Colchuck Lake hike easy? Absolutely (I’m looking at you, group of trail runners who ran past me while I was trying to catch my breath halfway up the mountain). But if you’re not a super athlete, here’s what you can expect when hiking Colchuck Lake:

• Mile 1: The easiest part of the trail with a gradual incline (You’ll likely think, “Oh this isn’t so bad!”)
• Miles 2-3: Steeper, more challenging terrain (You’ll probably start breathing heavily and will need a few quick breaks during this part)
• Mile 3-4: Steep and rough in places (You’ll definitely be thinking, “When will this END?!” But if you’ve made it this far, don’t turn back – you’re nearly there!)

Overall, this hike is a fun challenge that’ll take 4-6 hours to complete (possibly more if you spend more time at the lake).

Pros vs. cons: Colchuck Lake 

Pros: It’s a challenging hike with beautiful views, waterfalls, bridges, and a breathtaking alpine lake waiting for you at the summit. During the summer, it’s not uncommon for people to take a dip in the crystal clear water, making the lake a delightful spot to spend the afternoon. The parking lot is a decent size, with extra parking along the side of the road. And while the hike might be challenging, you’ll forget all about that once you take in the gorgeous views. Bonus: The trailhead is less than 20 minutes from the village of Leavenworth — a charming mountain town with plenty of places for that post-hike burger, beer, or ice cream you’ll be craving by the time you make it back to your car.

Cons: Colchuck Lake is part of The Enchantments and verrrrrry well-known. No matter the day, expect to see others along the trail or at the lake. If you’re looking for a hike with minimal human interaction, this isn’t the one. It also might not be the best trail for families with young children, as the terrain is steep and challenging in some places. Also, dogs are not allowed on the Colchuck Lake trail.

Beware of chipmunks at Colchuck Lake

Yes, you read that headline correctly: Beware of chipmunks at Colchuck Lake. The area is home to chipmunks who are not exactly shy. Due to hikers and campers feeding the chipmunks, they’ve become increasingly persistent when looking for scraps. If you’re enjoying a celebratory picnic at the lake (sidenote — summit sandwiches just hit differently, don’t they??), keep an eye on any chipmunks lurking around.

That said, please do not feed wildlife — no matter how cute they might be. When animals become accustomed to food from humans, it creates problems for both animals and people. The chipmunks at Colchuck are becoming more aggressive, and sometimes they even bite people. Do your part to keep your food contained and refrain from feeding any wildlife you might come across at Colchuck Lake.

Quick Colchuck Lake FAQs

Do I need a permit to hike to Colchuck Lake?

No — Day-hikers do not need a permit to hike Colchuck Lake. If you plan on staying overnight, you will need a camping permit from May 15 through October 31. Learn more about camping in The Enchantments here.

Is there a restroom at the Colchuck Lake trailhead?

Yes — there are restroom facilities at the Colchuck Lake trailhead.

Is there cell service at Colchuck Lake?

No — there is no cell service at Colchuck Lake or the trailhead. Expect to lose cellphone service once you turn onto Icicle Road. If you need a map to follow, download an offline version of the trail before you arrive.

Is Colchuck Lake a kid-friendly hike?

I wouldn’t consider Colchuck Lake kid-friendly. While the kids who make it up the mountain certainly enjoy swimming and playing around the lake, the trail is steep and challenging. Therefore, it’s not advised to bring young children on this hike. If your children are experienced and well-versed hikers, they might be okay. But be sure to bring a first aid kit, as there are slippery parts where it’s easy for a child to take a tumble.

How long does it take to hike to Colchuck Lake?

It takes most people 2-3 hours to hike up to Colchuck Lake and 1-2 hours to hike back down. When you factor in time spent at the lake itself, Colchuck Lake can take anywhere from 4-6 hours.

What is the parking like for Colchuck Lake?

The parking lot at Colchuck Lake is large, and once it’s full, visitors can park on the right side of the road leading to the trailhead. The fee to park is $5. If you have the Northwest Forest Pass, display it on your dashboard, and you won’t have to worry about the $5 fee.

Are dogs allowed at Colchuck Lake?

No — Dogs are not allowed on the Colchuck Lake trail. While that may be annoying, I assume there’s a reason for this rule and recommend everyone follow it.