Colchuck Lake: 5/28/15

Hike: Colchuck Lake

Date: 05/28/15

Distance/Gain: 8.0 miles, 2,280 ft. of gain

Highest Point: 5580 ft

Rating: 8/10

Pros: Beautiful lake, scenic hike, access to fresh water

Cons: Crowds (On weekends), distance to drive to.

After attempting Damfino lake to Excelsior ridge last week without success (lost trail in the snow,)  I decided I needed to get my first full hike of the summer out of the way.  I woke up at 4:45 am and chose Colchuck lake as my destination, and for my first taste of the "Enchantments."

As far of a drive as it was (about 2hrs 45 mins,) there is something fun about getting up at the crack of dawn, and driving across the pass for a solo hike. I cant accurately put it into words, but everyone should try it if you have the chance.

I arrived at the trail head at 9:00 to a semi full parking lot.  I had flashbacks to a post I read on NWhikers.net, about running into 100+ people on this same trail on memorial day weekend. At about 9:10 I was on my way up the trail.

The hike starts out with an easy mile and a half, creek side walk through the forest.  About a mile in, I passed a couple that were taking in the views of the creek.  To my surprise, those would be the only people that I passed on the way to the lake.  After the walk through the woods, you will cross the creek on a bridge before beginning the first real incline of the hike.

After a series of rocky switch backs you will reach the trail junction for Stuart, and Colchuck lakes.  To me this is where the hike really shined.  Stick to the left and you will happen upon another log bridge, with a talus field/forest layer/and the top of Dragontail peak all stacked up in front of you, it is an amazing view, almost like the gateway to the wilderness.

You stick to the right after crossing the bridge, and walk along the creek before your next big push uphill. The climb remains pretty consistent rocky, and rooty but very manageable.  You will have a few nice views/photo opportunities on your way to the lake.

1 hour and 50 minutes later I reached Colchuck lake.  The lake is just as awesome as advertised. A beautiful blue/green with Dragontail peak towering behind it.  I was able to spend about 30 minutes alone at the lake before I had to start heading home.  On the walk down I passed numerous groups of hikers (maybe a total of 15.) I reached my car exactly 3hrs and 50 minutes from when I left, making it a relatively quick and easy day hike.