Day Hike - Colchuck Lake

We'll meet at the trailhead by 6:30 AM. For those who hate to get up at 3 a.m., the leader has reserved a campsite at Eight Mile Campground, which is 20 minutes away, the night before.  :-) Parking could be a challenge, thus the early start. 

According to the Washington Trails Association, "the first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. Suddenly, laid out beneath your feet are the icy waters of the lake — deep blue in the shade, bright aquamarine in sunlight — while high above you at the far end of the lake, the twin spires of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks seem to crowd out the very sky."  This will be my first trip to this amazing place. 

With the early start, we'll have time to enjoy the day, hang out at the lake, and soak it all in (literally or figuratively - your pick).  Maybe we'll see a fall leaf or two. 

 While we won't be breaking any speed records, this is not an easy hike and hikers should have completed at least one hike of similar distance and elevation this summer and be in condition to complete the route successfully. I am a great fan of "beauty breaks" and we will take several along the way to enjoy what we have come to see.  

Please note this is a very popular hike. If your heart is set on seeing few other hikers, this is not the hike for you. 

See the note about the campsite option above. 

Learn more about this hike on WTA: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/colchuck-lake