Colchuck Lake

This campsite is hike-in only. It is located near Leavenworth, WA. It is a popular location, so permits are hard to come by. You can try to reserve a spot in the lottery in February to reserve a permit, or you can do what I did: show up the morning of at the ranger station and hope for a day-of permit. We lucked out, we were one of a few groups vying for the one permit available, and we got it!

The trail access is up a steep pot-hole ridden road and the parking lot, while large, was full. We had to park down the road and pull off as best we could and hope that would work. You need a parking permit, which you can get at the ranger station, or an America the Beautiful pass.

The hike is a challenging one, especially if you are carrying an overnight pack. It's all uphill from the start to the end, but there are many scenic spots to stop and take a rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

When you get to the lake itself, you have to keep hiking around to find the open campsite. Be aware, trying to camp here without a permit is not advised: our permits were checked by a ranger up at the lake.

We found a great spot with incredible views, a place to set up the tent and hammock, near the toilet (there are no walls on toilets up in the back country,so be prepared). It was cold and I was glad I knew this.

Beautiful 4 mile hike up (8 round trip) to the lake. There was a weird smell coming from the river, so maybe don’t drink from it haha. Bring plenty of your own water, also BUG SPRAY. Lots of bugs at the lakeside. It’s definitely still worth it for that view of dragon tails pass.

Lake Colchuck

I would suggest 6 to 8 hours to hike in, sight see around the lake and hike out. Moderate to heavy traffic. Get to the parking lot early or no parking. Reserved parking for those permitted to camp overnight. 