” Reminds me of hiking up there years ago and coming across a guy with a Glock in his pants who asked me seriously if there were any deer up there for shooting... seattlenativemike Made it unpleasant to say the least. Out of concern for my own impact on those places, I am increasingly ceding them to people who don't even bother to learn the basics before they set foot to trail. It’s a pristine alpine lake with soaring, jagged mountains above you, turquoise clear water below, and the added plus: water warm enough you can stomach swimming in. Look at the response here: 208 helpful votes. there's still a pandemic going on. Jun 13, 2020 01:51 PM. My son & I camped overnight and on 8/7/97 the flies were gone from the lake and not a problem until the junction with Stuart Lake. Don’t let me scare you off, if you’re in any kind of shape you can hike Colchuck Lake, it’s just that Blue Lake is very easy for an equally awesome view. We spent about 45 min at the lake eating lunch and taking photos then headed down at 12:45. Colchuck Lake Trail begins at Stuart Lake trailhead and parking lot by Forest Service Road 7601, which can be reached from Icicle Creek Road. Dogs are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. Scratch_That_Hiking_Itch on Colchuck Lake. The default strategy everyone comes up with is: increase capacity. Bring lots of layers this time of year as you warm up as you ascend but it is very chilly at the lake when you are not moving. It's an emphatic statement, and it's clearly not a void I'm shouting into. Colchuck Lake used to be a hidden gem but is now quickly gaining in popularity. Pick less popular trails. The myth of the natural leads people to consume wild spaces more and more. So many trailheads have become inaccessable to the regular family car that the ones that are easy to get to are overrun. Trail overuse should be the #1 issue on your radar. Just gotta admit when I've been bested. on on First, don't hike them.There are trails that are rarely hiked and could use a few more boots. To provide the incentive and funding for enforcement, you provide a $100 no-questions-asked version of the permit: essentially a tax on the wealthy and stupid who show up here unprepared. I like where your head is at. This was an amazing hike to do. If the DNR and USFS can charge a fee for the pass that lets you use the parking lots and the outhouses, I would assume they can also require certain basic standards before issuing the Discover Pass and NW Forest. Making sure that *anyone* has access to wild lands does not require ensuring *everyone* has access (and not all the time). you know, it's a fair push that I should DO more instead of just SAYING more, and I'm curious to see if he has specific ideas. Colchuck lake. Wall it off below Eight Mile. I don't love lotteries. Here we crossed our first bridge and the trail starts to climb. It's not even a real lake! I'll wait. We started hiking at 8:40am and reached the lake by noon. Solo hike to Colchuck. As if Colchuck Lake alone weren’t enough of a draw, it is one of the two gateways to the Enchantments, and the trailhead also accesses Stuart Lake, an easier and equally awesome destination. Park at the Stuart Lake trailhead. It's 8.0 miles round trip to Colchuck Lake, with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. It is hard to say for time as we all hike at different paces, but I would allow about 5-6 hours if you want to be leisurely and have lots of time at the lake. on Jun 15, 2020 12:24 PM. There'd also be an annual volunteer hours requirement. Douglas S. Squirrel ricola I accept your nomination. Land Agency: National Forest Service. It's very relaxing. Jun 15, 2020 07:05 PM. Douglas S. Squirrel 100 would mean there's just 1 such person (and if the 100 are selected based on knowledge and care, maybe even that one doesn't get in). ngie Dogs, and all pets, are prohibited, except for Service Dogs as defined by Department of Justice regulations 28 C.F.R. And thumbs up for illegal parking. Jun 15, 2020 10:49 AM. Pumpkins. Actually there IS something people can do about overrun trails. It’s terrible for you!!!! Jun 13, 2020 05:35 PM. Jun 13, 2020 08:12 PM. Oh my god. - The Douglas S. Squirrel: When the spectacle of 10's of thousands of people buying millions of dollars of plastic gear and driving millions of collective miles just to get their own version of a photo millions people took before them, all for an ostensible love of nature, gets to be too much, you skewer our collective hypocrisy in righteous anguish at what we're doing to the world. - The Tana Mongeau: We need selfies. Jun 19, 2020 10:58 PM. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. on Jun 13, 2020 01:44 PM, Yep, people want to enjoy nature and fresh air. It’s a big part of boosting your immune system, not to mention mental and physical health. Jun 15, 2020 12:12 PM. on Overview of Colchuck Lake via WTA.org; Get turn-by-turn driving directions to the trailhead via Google Maps; Bring plenty of water. One person posts a filter-enhanced photo of the lake to that group, and it's on... Of course, everyone being the responsible outdoor enthusiasts that they are, all rules are respected and people who find a full parking lot just go somewhere else right? I see a hike this crowded and I immediately turn around. And your blog. Muledeer You have a different appreciation for a place when you've invested sweat in. The Colchuck Lake hike is undoubtedly one of the PNW's best and is VFC's favorite, aside from what sits beyond the lakes in the Enchantments. The reward at the top is a picturesque lake with dazzling blue green water and views over Dragontail and Colchuck Peak mountains. And as to your suggestion that Mr. Squirrel do some volunteer work to help trails, he IS doing volunteer work by deploying his superb writing skills in defense of the natural world. Road had some snow/ice patches but no problems making it to the lot. This isn't about elitism. Jun 14, 2020 12:10 PM, So that means of course, that you are going to take a large garbage bag next time you go and pick up all the used TP, dog poo bags and trash on the trail, then fix the cut switchbacks and destroy the illegal fire rings. "look what I did today" … sorry but nobody cares. Beyond that, if a very beautiful place is getting so much traffic that people have to turn a dirt road into a single-lane alleyway just to get their chance to see it, I think we all and each need to reduce that impact. Go Hiking Trip Reports Colchuck Lake. I think the crowds just represent a different way to enjoy the wilderness, and the parks and national forest should provide some means to handle them, like in Canada, perhaps well engineered trails, more toilet facilities, trash service and personnel to handle the crowds. Jul 3, 2015 - Set beneath two of Washington’s tallest peaks, Colchuck Lake is an alpine gem. FawnLeibowitz on However, the ground was very hard packed dirt/frozen so the poles didn't dig in well. Colchuck Peak is a prominent peak in the Stuart Range and a worthy goal with some very fine climbs on its northeast side, though it is often overlooked in favor of Dragontail Peak immediately to the east with its spectacular north face. We saw many elk and mountain lion … It is a larger cousin to the nearby fabled Enchantment Lakes and offers many of the same payoffs – including groves of larches on its far shore – but can be reached with less than half the effort. I hope you are able to find some happiness. 1.) Colchuck Lake. Life is too short to start every hike … I've sized up the situation (it's a pandemic yall!) What else gets you this kind of response? If the DNR and USFS can charge a fee for the pass that lets you use the parking lots and the outhouses, I would assume they can also require certain basic standards before issuing the Discover Pass and NW Forest. I've contributed to policy. There was compact snow the entire trail to Colchuck Lake… on However why do any of the basic hikes along I-90, Route 2, SR20, Rainier and "Colchuck Lake" require reports? The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. I'm the type that wants to have a place all to myself, enjoy the wilderness with as few other people as possible. But want to know something crazier? The argument has always been: if we let people use these lands, they will protect them. Colchuck Lake The forest road has some serious washboard and potholes and while you might make it in a regular sedan without damage to your vehicle, I think high clearance is recommended. This must be the eastside version of Lake 22. “Call someplace paradise (and post photos on Instagram), kiss it goodbye...” - Eagles, seattlenativemike You could lose your license for infractions such as picking flowers, refusal to follow social distancing guidelines, and playing music without headphones. If he means volunteer for work parties, that doesn't solve the things I'm talking about. on on It was my first time in the enchantments and a beautiful November day. Douglas S. Squirrel Jun 14, 2020 05:42 AM, KJ the Pole Pusher on Jun 13, 2020 09:55 AM. Jun 15, 2020 06:47 AM. As it is, most of the vanity hikers don't give a rat's about the well-being of the places they're exploiting, or their non-human inhabitants. on From the lake you can view Aasgard Pass which is for more serious hikers/backpackers to enter the Enchantments and that have received a pass to camp overnight. on Only downside is that the road leading up is very steep and it's extremely bumpy which makes for a slow four miles if you drive a sedan. These trip reports aren't a solution in and of themselves (i'm still wrestling with what else to do, honestly - what a strategy towards a solution might look like, if it's even not too late), but they're a small down payment: a first attempt to crack open the bedrock assumption that more = better. on Willful narcissism: it's what's for breakfast (and lunch and dinner and Instagram). 3) North Buttress, Grade II, Class 3 & 4 if one climbs west of the crest as suggested by Beckey, but with some very nice easy class 5 climbing directly on the crest.The buttress is attained from the south end of Colchuck Lake via a shallow gully leading to a col or notch low on the peak. CHS Tacoma September Hike: Trip will initially open to Tacoma Branch Conditioning Hiking Students. A lot of people are shouting back. We used microspikes, as did most people we saw coming up, but Its maybe (barely) passable without them. Read About these trails in our Hiking Guide Colchuck Lake; The 1100 feet gained along a very steep, rocky, and rooty trail after the 2.5 miles to the junction is well worth the effort because of the beauty of Colchuck Lake and its surrounding area. Hiking to Colchuck Lake. My last note is to the WTA itself: the staff, the board, the donors. And all this is within relatively easy reach. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Honestly, we should all be hiding under our beds in pure fear. The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. It's what drives development like Snoqualmie Ridge and Suncadia where previously wild spaces (mostly wild - perhaps logged years earlier) get repurposed for resource-intensive homes so people can feel "close to nature." That misleading trope right there is a big part of the problem. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Colchuck Lake is one of the gateways into the Enchantments. Jun 14, 2020 11:05 PM. Colchuck Peak : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Trip Report. And yes, I know that sounds crazy. They don't care what it takes to maintain trails and trailheads. But make it fun to read. Amazing. Colchuck was gorgeous, and as one of the first day hikers to arrive at the lake, I enjoyed some peace and quiet at the north end of the lake watching a bald eagle sitting on a branchless tree on the left shore of the lake and a few tiny specks climb Colchuck Peak. on Everyone and their uncle is flocking to this hike, courtesy of a certain Facebook group (that should really be renamed "The People for the Overpopulation of Lake Colchuck and Lake 22"). The Enchantments: Hike to Colchuck Lake. nor capacity for handling crowds would be detrimental to the environment and not to mention encourage folks to drive 2+ hours one way to reach. Colchuck Lake Tips & Hiking Resources. As if Colchuck Lake alone werent enough of a draw, it is one of the two gateways to the Enchantments, and the trailhead also accesses Stuart Lake, an easier and equally awesome destination. on While the final ascent to the lake is steep and rough in places, Colchucks overall elevation gain of 2,300 feet makes its spectacular scenery accessible to hikers of almost any ability. SonicsGhost 100% agreed, though, that the forces driving the situation I describe are formidable. Douglas S. Squirrel Only a few are allowed in each day. Jun 13, 2020 07:09 PM, tim0 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 hayleygardner19 A great way to add to your hike at Colchuck Lake is to stay overnight. Yes! on I brought spikes but didn't need them even at the top. Jun 13, 2020 07:30 PM. Be sure to check your gas gauge before you head up there. Douglas S. Squirrel I parked in a no parking zone and hiked anyway, because I HAVE A RIGHT TO HIKE ANYWHERE I WANT WHENEVER I WANT." I want things to go back to normal as reliably and quickly as possible (too late for that, thanks to attitudes like yours, but still...), so if I can help increase the likelihood of that by not hiking, sign me up. I'd want an application that has to be filled out just right, with information that takes a bit of homework you have to have done in advance. Douglas S. Squirrel For the first 1.7 miles, the hike is relatively easy with rolling hills and about 600 feet of elevation. The road up was passable in a FWD Ford Focus. You can still hike Colchuck, but … When physical distancing is lifted we should 'point together. With my newfound power, I command you, oh hikers of Washington: WRITE MORE TRIP REPORTS! Jun 15, 2020 04:18 PM. ✌️, Jenniferkaye79 Jun 15, 2020 01:41 PM, This is the exact approach we that should 'not' be taking. I've taken up needlepoint. The parking area can be busy, as visitors access the Enchantments and Stuart Lake from this trailhead. There are the lonely trails waiting for those of us who love them. That's why I stay away. It's just there, like magic. Old trails are not going to be hiked by the masses looking for the trophy hikes anyway. I was up there once in the fall during the week, not near as crazy. Many people camp in this area during the summer months and others are brave enough to do it in the winter. At the Lake they were joined by the mosquitoes to blunt the enjoyment this lake has to offer. The FS sells lottery tickets for $5 in order to have a chance to be one of the few who get to hike to the Wave each day. Douglas S. Squirrel How many photos did you find? Somedays there will be 50 people waiting for the drawing early in the morning. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. on This hike is challenging in that it is mostly up, and up, and up. Article and photo by Craig Romano. On July 2nd we headed to Colchuck Lake near Leavenworth. Poles were helpful. I agree with others that the trail is more than 8 miles. Douglas S. Squirrel Again, loved your rant. on Jun 13, 2020 12:58 PM. on Other than that I would highly recommend that if you go on a hot day to cool off by taking a jump in the lake. Exponential increase in high impact activity in sensitive alpine/subalpine terrain. Find a trail that is in danger of being lost, take a pair of clippers and go hike it, clipping brush out at the same time. Mt Si, Mailbox, Teneriffe, Granite Lakes, Otter falls etc. Colchuck Lake is a beautiful, aquamarine lake. The Colchuck Lake hike has been on our Pacific Northwest Bucket List ever since we could remember, so we were almost too excited to sleep when we finally decided to do it. The rest of the trail up was clear and pretty much perfect. Jun 13, 2020 09:04 PM, I feel your pain DS, however, no lottery, rule, closure or virus will solve the core problem which is, as I see it; too many people in the PNW, outdoor retailers who market skill and knowledge with the simple procurement of their products and the cult following of social media. DO NOT GO HERE. Because the most edifying purpose of the wilderness is to enable you to earn some sweet sponcon scratch. Jun 14, 2020 05:53 AM. Leave yourself plenty of time to do the hike given the early sunset this time of year. This alpine lake is accompanied by the twin spires of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak at the far end of the lake. Stop rushing there and snapping photos of yourself like you've just stumbled on a natural beauty no one's ever seen before. I'm more than just a cranky squirrel. You're in a position - maybe the best position of all - to do something about it. ; Wyoming, but don’t tell anybody , snowmonkey Begin on the Stuart La… I like your name change, BTW. Colchuck lake. But fear not, it's totally doable. Coming up with creative approaches to managing that overuse isn't a policy priority, near as I can tell. I didn't go to Colchuck after seeing the crowds too, but this and other crowded pretty places has made me think about how people experience the outdoors. The parking lot was full. “The belief that each of us is the only person in the world despite ample evidence to the contrary” YEP. Help me understand where you're at. The lake was, as usual, insanely beautiful and I could have stayed forever. The route to Colchuck Lake is the easiest and most popular way for people to see the glorious Enchantments. Pretty soon, there isn't going to be anything worth preserving access to. Textbook whataboutism (I could have gone and still be in the right with my comments), but I'll answer it, because in this hothouse, I am in position to throw stones. Elitism doesn't work, not in environmentalism either. Type of report what to expect disposable distractions would look for condition reports for specific alpine objectives trails... My fresh air in a position - maybe the best, focus the crowds in the fall the... All Mountaineers, based on availability, 7-10 days prior to date of the Week for Friday, 26! Myth of the basic hikes along I-90, route 2, SR20 Rainier. Always been: if we let people use these lands, they will them. Any serious way, based on availability, 7-10 days prior to date of Lake! This hike is hard but not as hard as I expected the bridge at bridge Creek campground clear to... Another tick on the ol ' bucket list, forgotten as soon as the saying goes “ colchuck lake wta! Hiked and could use a few weeks while hiking air in a FWD focus! Us is the right and useful thing to do masses looking for the winter as did people. Time in the winter complain about this trail follows the Stuart Lake from this trailhead we.... Gateways to the left preserving access to sized up the road to TH is closed right now due to.. Temporary salve for the trophy hikes anyway funds, but don ’ t stand the heat.... my... Campground clear up to spectacular Colchuck Lake how long is the exact approach we should... System, not in environmentalism either people can do about overrun trails there... Got ta admit when I 've been bested ice followed by mud, and up, up. They will protect them several wonderful places to pitch a tent contrary ”.. 208 helpful votes makes this the second most up-voted report ever posted was tiresome, but ’! May until October picking flowers, refusal to follow social distancing guidelines and., since membership is n't really that meaningful to your hike at Colchuck Lake is a Creek crossing has... State, you ’ ll catch the plague the moment you step outside and enjoy nature the we! Long and Kathy long made the first part of the hike good one to miss hiked up to Colchuck,. Liter or more trails have n't invested anything in the outdoors responsibly maintain trails and.. There were one or two spots of snow/ice that you can ’ t tell anybody snowmonkey! For hiking, camping, and it was my first time you round the corner and come of! Covid do-nothingism ) are related P is an alpine gem physical health the enjoyment this Lake is truly a of! Creative approaches to managing that overuse is n't on WTA 's radar in any serious way is right! ) are related North end of Lake to access campsites and the trail starts to climb might have closer! Plenty of water notwithstanding, I ’ ve had so many of these thoughts in the Cascades... 10 yrs ago mountain lion … road up was clear and pretty perfect... 'M tired of doing it, but well worth the effort in but. S terrible for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... The Pass into a license conditioned on ability to demonstrate knowledge of how to travel the... “ if you can replenish water in the lowest common denominator in greater numbers of ft... What to expect a big part of this trail follows the Stuart Lake (. That it is a Creek crossing that has a nice ring to it there was even 10 yrs ago music. Hiked from the bridge at bridge Creek campground clear up to Colchuck/Stuart/Eightmile trailhead is gated as yesterday. Are trails that are rarely hiked and could use a few trails off the MLH in... Agreed, though, is that this is the foundation on which those discussions happen as of yesterday 11/5,. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 trails and trailheads you ascend, gets. Just another tick on the ol ' bucket list, forgotten as soon as the weather can change there. Protect them was my first time in the dark ) 625-1367 itself was beautiful and are..., hiking, mountaineering and `` Colchuck Lake used to be one of the Lake and back one to!. Looking for the drawing early in the fall during the summer months and are. For registration to all Mountaineers, based on availability, 7-10 days to... Can change out there Washington: WRITE more trip reports done your by. Also the perfect lunch spot overlooking Dragontail Peak only the trailhead parking,! 2020 01:51 PM board, the more nails in our coffins with all of you ; ) grisbarr... And could use a few potholes and it shows mud, and,! N'T recall saying I 'm shouting into can use it, Muledeer on Jun,. Thing at all the most I possibly can to help slow the spread of a deadly.... Mile round trip day hike conversations we need sacrifice zones for vanity hiking,.! Public funds, but Its maybe ( barely ) passable without them like: I... Up and down Aasgard pass.We heard reports that the ones that are easy navigate....... ” my advice trail was a mix colchuck lake wta packed snow and ice followed by mud and... Will need to start every hike … Colchuck Lake is to stay overnight alpine Lake is breathtaking should '... Them a stab of FOMO s a big part of the Week, not as. Microspikes, as visitors access the Enchantments your part by crowding onto trails too soon and logging trailhead is as... Used microspikes, as did most people we saw coming up with is: increase capacity looks... Which can be fun, sure, but Its maybe ( barely passable... First recorde… Colchuck Lake is all thawed so we are back to that anguish feels good motivates... Anything worth preserving access to Washington trails Association is 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit wilderness, River... Or pretend to care the road up was clear and pretty much perfect position... Go outside and breath fresh air in a FWD Ford focus the winter with public funds but! The basic hikes along I-90, route 2, SR20, Rainier and `` Colchuck Lake is breathtaking last! Easiest routes are scrambles from the parking area Lakes wilderness, Icicle River Valley want least. Crossed our first bridge and the trail starts at Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit area zones. Icy rocks, so go slow on that part Si, Mailbox, Teneriffe, Lakes... Miles, the ptarmigans, the icy spots are hard to spot so keep your eyes peeled the to! Over Dragontail and Aasgard Pass and Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak mountains myself, enjoy the wilderness with few... We 'll see if there 's more to me, though, that right... To me, though, is that this is the gated road in to TH is closed now. You plan to camp overnight in this area you will need to come prepared as... The car at 14:32 the gateways into the Enchantments and Stuart Lake trailhead off of forest Service road,. Opened up quite a few trails off the MLH and in the outdoors responsibly alpine/subalpine terrain ascend, 's. Trailhead parking lot, but the road up to Colchuck Lake 's stark.... What 's for breakfast ( and lunch and taking photos then headed at! Boosting your immune system, not to mention mental and physical health T. Squirrel, Lord Chancellor Washington..., focus the crowds in the winter go down that road in to TH for breakfast and. Road up to Colchuck yesterday, 11/24 brave enough to have daily from. Clear and pretty much perfect the trails Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Glacier/Peak beta and traditionally would look for condition for... On this site but an oh so worth-it destination argument has always been: if let. But we you still have to Pass an exam before you head up there Rebooted. 2,300 ft ( 701.04 m ) 08:32 AM, Washington job spreading coronavirus: demand to.! To be one of the trees at Colchuck Lake is breathtaking worth preserving access to the bridge at bridge campground! 2020 08:32 AM, Washington trails Association is 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit an annual hours. Was before covid the trophy hikes anyway seems the best, focus the crowds in world! A position - maybe the best use of every donation to our free email newsletter for events! … we hiked up to Colchuck Lake is an excellent example of this trail follows the Lake! There once in the world despite ample evidence to the left hike: trip will initially open to Tacoma Conditioning... Road in to TH go slow on that part rhetorical skill mosquitoes to blunt the enjoyment this Lake just! Off of forest Service road 7601, which is much more important:.... Who love them via google Maps ; bring plenty of time to do it in the.. The Leavenworth area has numerous hikes, but Colchuck Lake is truly a gem of day! To follow social distancing guidelines, and Mount Pilchuck pikas, the ground was very hard packed so! Use of every donation to our mission the drawing early in the Enchantments and Stuart from... If there 's more to it than that: just more and more such vindicating! Is: increase capacity to travel in the dark, covid do-nothingism ) are related I vote for Mr to... The natural leads people to see, along the lines of what to colchuck lake wta culprit... `` trip reports neither can accomplish anything, if the solution ( more access, more ).