Colchuck Lake: An Enchanting Experience

If you google “best hikes in Washington state,” chances are high that Colchuck Lake will be on that list. Part of the famed Enchantments, Colchuck Lake is an alpine lake that many consider to be one of the most beautiful places in the state of Washington. While that reputation is not unwarranted, it does make the lake a very popular destination. I have wanted to do this hike since moving to Washington, but the reports of crowds always made me pick different hikes during the summer. When my friend texted me a few weeks ago asking if I wanted to do the hike, I figured fall was the perfect time to see the lake without all the summer traffic. 

Before we even got to the trailhead, I was in awe of the landscape. Western larches (deciduous conifers) on the hillside were a vibrant gold, a contrast to their evergreen neighbors. Being so late in the year, I expected the larches to have dropped their needles by this point, but was pleasantly surprised to instead see them at their peak. (Later, I remembered that western larches turn color later in the year than their brothers, the alpine larches).

Western larches on the hill above the road

The weather at the trailhead was just above freezing, so I layered up with my puffy jacket and beanie. But once we started moving, I warmed up quickly. The elevation gain was moderate at first, and the trail did not have many switchbacks. After hiking for about two miles, we started to see some frost on the plants and ice crystals on the ground. Soon after, we crossed Mountaineer Creek at the bottom of a boulder field. Thankfully, the trail continued around the side of the boulder field and we did not have to scramble over icy rocks.

Frost on baby evergreen

The last two miles to the lake were much steeper than the first two and contained many switchbacks. During this section of the trail, we came to a small creek crossing. As soon as I stepped on the nearest rock to begin crossing, I began slipping and sliding around. I quickly dug my trekking poles into the ground and was able to regain my balance. The rocks looked wet, but they were actually covered in ice. Even though this was in no way a major water crossing, I did not want to risk injury by trying to cross on icy, uneven rocks. Thankfully, there was a log off to the side that was not iced over, so I crossed on that instead. 

It was definitely a wake up call to me that what seemed merely wet was actually icy. As we continued, there were also more rocks and roots on the trail, many of which had a layer of ice on top.

Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak above the trees

As we got closer to the lake, I could see the tops of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak, the two mountains south of the lake, above the trees. Freshly dusted with snow, the peaks were beautiful and mysterious. I was even more excited to reach the lake and see the true magnificence of the mountains. 

Finally, we stopped climbing and began descending into the lake basin. The trail runs along the northwest side of the lake, and we continued to follow it until we reached a break in the trees that gave us a clear view. 

Wow. The view was like something you would find on a postcard. The water was a deep turquoise blue. Beyond the lake, Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak thrust towards the sky, even more majestic than before. Dragontail Peak even had a halo, created by the sun just behind it. It was incredibly . . . enchanting. . . and I was truly speechless.

Colchuck Lake and Dragontail Peak

My friend and I took as many pictures as we could from our vantage point and had a quick snack. It got cold quickly once we stopped moving, so we packed up our stuff and turned around to explore the north side of the lake. We had to use social trails to cut through the trees to the lake. At one point, we were walking up a small incline and I walked right into a partially fallen tree because I was looking at my feet. I felt pretty dumb but was okay. 

By the time we reached the edge of the water, the sun had risen over Dragontail Peak and turned the water a lighter shade of turquoise. This end of the lake was also beginning to freeze over, making it even more beautiful. After taking all the pictures we could, we got ready to hike back to the trailhead.

Ice forming on the lake

We had to be even more careful of icy rocks and roots on the way down since now gravity was also against us. One missed step, and I was sure that I would land on my butt. My trekking poles were invaluable during this stretch and definitely helped me stay on my feet. 

Finally, we got back to the boulder field, which marked the end of the steepest part of the hike. As we prepared to cross Mountaineer Creek, we noticed icicles on the bushes and trees whose limbs stuck out over the creek. Unlike most icicles, these ones were wider at the bottom than at the top, probably created by water splashing up from the creek. The ice formations were very unique, so we stopped to marvel at them before crossing the creek and continuing on our way.

If you look closely, you can see the icicles over the creek

About a quarter mile from the car, it began to snow lightly, a reminder that weather can change very quickly in the mountains. The sky had been sunny and clear two hours before, but was now cloudy and grey. 

On our way back to the city, we decided to drive down Blewett Pass since Google Maps said it would be a faster route. I’m so glad we did because we were treated to lots of golden western larches! They dotted the hillsides and were the cherry on top to an amazing hike.

Larches along Blewett Pass