Search activities
Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack

Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Lake Stuart

This field trip will give B3 students the opportunity to try out gear and new skills on a moderate two night backpack with an experienced mentor. Priority sign up for Linda and Bekah's mentor group. Two night backpack trip, camping at Lake Stuart and doing a day hike to Colchuck Lake the following day.

Contacts

Linda Shewey
Linda Shewey
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 15.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 mph

Meet at the trailhead at 8am, ready to hike at 8:30am

Drive Highway 2 to milepost 99, found on the western edge of the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. Turn south onto Icicle Creek Road, paved with the occasional treacherous pothole (keep an eye out!)

Turn left after 8.5 miles onto Eightmile Road, and continue on this dirt road for 3.8 miles to a large parking lot and the trailhead. The trail becomes washboarded as the season progresses, so high clearance vehicles are recommended. A toilet is available at the trailhead.

NWF pass required for parking

Due to the travel distance, participants may want to camp in the area the night before.  Carpooling is also encouraged for those fully vaccinated.

Leader's notes

Exciting opportunity to backpack in the Enchantments this fall

The permit fee is $15 per person.  Leader has already prepaid, so registering for the trip includes agreeing to pay the permit fee even if you cancel (and another participant does not take your place)

We may miss the peak of the wildflowers, but the bug peak should also be done

You can read the hike description on the WTA site Lake Stuart — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

and the Gaia route:  https://www.gaiagps.com/public/2JGgRu11PqT4tJfN6u84qpoe 

While this route has some hefty elevation gain, we will take plenty of breaks as needed.

We will plan to hike to Stuart Lake (4 miles, +1900') and find a nice campsite by the lake for 2 nights.  After lunch, you can relax or swim in the afternoon.   The next day we will  hike an additional 3.5 miles, +1300' (one way) to Colchuck Lake with it's beautiful aquamarine color and views of the Enchantments are astounding.  After lunch, we will return to Stuart lake to camp the second night.  The following morning, we will head back to the cars after breakfast.

 We will plan to stop for a lunch break in Leavenworth before all heading home.

Route/Place

Lake Stuart


  • USGS Enchantment Lakes
    Green Trails Enchantment Lakes No. 209S
    Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. 208SX
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials, plus overnight gear as specified by the trip leader

Trip Reports