Camping at Colchuck Lake If you plan to camp at the top, know that you must obtain a permit between May 15 to October 31. Spontaneous planners will still be able to use the regular walk-up permit process. Colchuck Lake is so stunning it quiets you. You will be charged a $20 non-refundable application cost-recovery fee. Day use is permitted across all zones, but camping can only occur in the zone for which the overnight permit is issued. Â, There are three methods of obtaining an overnight permit: Â, 1. Lost out, yet again, on a highly coveted and competitive overnight camping permit to the Enchantments? Hike Type: Out and back, day-hike Difficulty Level: Strenuous Permit: Day-hiking requires a self-issued permit accessible at the trailhead Date Hiked: October 3, 2019 We were actually lucky enough to get permits, and then a series of unfortunate events derailed our plans, and we ended up doing an incredibly long day hike instead of camping. Park in appropriate day or overnight designated parking areas.Â. The Snow Lakes and Colchuck Lakes zones are the next most popular option because they are adjacent to the Core Zone. Only one lottery application per person will be allowed, Every member of the group must carry a copy of the valid permit while on trail. around Mount Shuksan, Forbidden and Sharkfin Peaks (including, Mount Rainier & North Cascades reservations open, Mount Rainier National Park (and Wonderland Trail) Wilderness Permits, North Cascades National Park Backcountry Permits, Olympic National Park Wilderness Camping Permits, North Cascades Backcountry Reservation page, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website. Day use is very popular and opportunities for solitude are limited and not likely during the summer. Trailhead passes for parking are included in the permit cost only for the duration of your overnight trip. Â, Day use visitors are required to obtain a free self-issue day use permit and purchase and display a Northwest Forest Pass (PDF), available online, at the ranger station, or at the trailhead. Â, Parking is prohibited along the lefthand side FS Road 7601. From the lake you can view Aasgard Pass which is for more serious hikers/backpackers to enter the Enchantments and that have received a pass to camp overnight. Because of the area's popularity, all overnight visitors must obtain a permit if they want to camp in the Basin between May 15 and October 31. SEE PARKING INFORMATION BELOW. 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. It is managed according to the Wilderness Management Plan and the 1964 Wilderness Act, to provide protection of fragile resources and preservation of wilderness character for generations to come. There are several high points with the western m… Groups must camp together each night in the zone for which the permit is issued. Permits are a way of regulating the amount of foot traffic in fragile environments that can only handle so much use before they begin to erode. It was still worth the trip – even though we carried all our camping … It was still worth the trip – even though we carried all our camping … Info and Fees for The Enchantments Permits and Camping Colchuck Lake: Hike Details. The parking pass is, Once a permit reservation is made, no changes may be made to the permit zone or entry date.Â. Do not improve sites by moving rocks, building walls or disturbing soils. Â, If you're not near a toilet, dig a cat hole 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water sources or campsites. Visitors typically plan at least three or four days for this trip. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. Core Permit required for overnight access to all areas during permit season. It is the bigger brother to the nearby Enchantment Lakes, much easier to reach (as a day hike, especially), and some have described it as a religious experience.The glacier-fed waters of Colchuck Lake are an ethereal aquamarine blue. Colchuck Lake is one of the gateways into the Enchantments. Failure to comply with regulations may result in citations for all group members, termination of trip and denial of future permits. Make a reservation online after the annual permit lottery3. Some are seasonal, and others are required year-round. A Northwest Forest Pass is required and visitors must park in the designated day use parking areas at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Take a few hikes and get a feeling for where you might like to plan a trip in next year. Due to the overwhelming popularity of this unique area, all visitors must obtain a permit if visiting from May 15 through October 31. Reservations can be made for the following areas: The North Cascades reservation lottery will open on March 15 and end on March 24. It's a good idea to research where and when you'd like to go before you start the application process since making changes to an application may not be easy or even possible once you've submitted it. Colchuck Lake Trail #1599A An overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31. The Enchantments: Hike to Colchuck Lake. Steep and challenging terrain make travel with an overnight pack very strenuous.   Â, A three day trip to Colchuck or Snow Lakes allows time for a day trip to the Core Enchantments. Dogs and horses are also prohibited on the trails leading to Colchuck Lake at all times of the year. If your reservation is accepted, you will receive an email confirmation with trip details and further instructions. Every member of the group must begin on the reserved start date, and camp with the party leader. Aasgard Pass is a very steep approach to the Enchantments. The Enchantments sind ein Gebiet, welches ein oberes und ein unteres Einzugsgebiet mit den darin befindlichen Seen und Karseen umfasst und von den Gipfeln der Stuart Range begrenzt wird. Dates to apply for permits vary by park. Forty percent of backcountry permits will be held for walk-ups only. Apply during the annual permit lottery2. This person cannot be changed after the lottery application process. Day users need only fill out a free day-use permit, available at any of the three trailheads accessing the Enchantment Permit Area. The trail is a bit of a jumble as you hop boulders in a large talus slope along the creek’s bank. Length 9 miElevation gain 2283 ftRoute type Out & back Dogs, Horses, Campfires are all prohibited at Colchuck Lake which is in the Enchanment Permit Area. If you want to camp in these spots outside of the reservation window, you need to check with the Wilderness Information Center. Pack out your toilet paper.Â, Do not urinate on vegetation or soils. Due to popular demand for overnight permits, a lottery is held annually. To build a multi-day itinerary at a popular location: campsites are only available 6 months to the day of when you are booking. Bookmark it: An application link should go live on the North Cascades National Park Permit Page on March 15. )Â, Recreation Fee: Overnight Enchantment permits are $5.00 per person, per day, May 15th-October 31st. Â, *The recreation fee finances on-the-ground administration and management of the Enchantment Permit Area. Permits are a way of regulating the amount of foot traffic in fragile environments that can only handle so much use before they begin to erode. Reservations will become available at www.recreation.gov at 7 a.m. PST. and reservations. However, the views at the lake are well worth the effort. Core Enchantment permit hol ders may camp in any of the five zones. There are no refunds for unfavorable weather conditions. Cannot add or change alternate group leader. In Wallace Falls State Park, there are two lakes—Wallace Lake and Jay Lake—where backcountry camping is allowed, with overnight permits. Do we need a permit to hike? They may be available on a walkup basis. Use gaps between boulders, crevices in rocks, large flat rocks, sandy bare areas or the toilets provided.Â, An Overnight Visitor Parking Pass is required to park at all Enchantment trailheads and are free with the purchase of an overnight camping permit. Wilderness camping permits: To backpack or overnight camp in some delicate or popular places, like the Enchantments in the Mt. Maximum party size is 8. Otherwise, set up camp in your permit zone and spend three or four days exploring the area. Snow Lake Zone Colchuck Lake Zone Stuart Lake Zone Eightmile/Caroline Zone View a map of the permit zones. L-O-V-E. Arguably my favorite day hike in the state. If you can get one of the widely sought after backcountry permits, or are a strong hiker who can pack in the miles in a single day, this is a part of the country—and the world—you shouldn't miss. Check out the North Cascades Wilderness Trip Planner to get some insight, and browse past trip reports for a sense of the area and conditions to expect in low, regular and high-snow years. I love to go right after permit season ends - around mid-October. As of 2017 up to 60 percent of all backcountry permits for some popular areas in North Cascades National Parks will be available via the new online reservation process. Â, The Enchantment Permit Area is a remote alpine environment with potential hazards and risks. The weather can vary in the Cascade Mountains. This beautiful and very popular 4-mile trail is accessed from Stuart Lake Trail #1599 which starts at Stuart Lake Trailhead (3400' elevation). Colchuck Lake is a beautiful area found within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest outside of the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, WA. Rules and regulations for the Enchantment Permit area are strictly enforced. Day hike the North Cascades. The permit … By limiting the number of visitors to an area, permits not only preserve the environment but also the experience of hikers themselves. The trail then starts to climb through open forest with views of the valleys peaks. over 3 years ago. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. The Core Enchantments Zone permit is the best because it will allow you to camp in any of the permit zones. Between May 15 and October 31, a permit is required for overnight use in the Enchantments. Eight days or more prior to the entry date, days and group members may be added to the trip.Â, No refunds will be given for reducing days or group members.Â. Backcountry (or wilderness) permits, like those issued in national parks or quota areas like the Enchantments, serve a different purpose than parking passes or entry fees. Some of these permits are free, while others come with small fees. Straight ahead the path to Stuart Lake rolls out, while the Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1 breaks off to the left. Core Enchantment permit hol ders may camp in any of the five zones. I've heard it's a 9 mile round trip hike. Amazing day out in the Enchantments. Please call the park office to acquire a permit prior to arrival at 360-793-0420. 1 Reviews of Colchuck Lake "The road up to the TH (Eightmile Road) opened up on May 15 (permits for camping in Enchantments also opened the same day) and we wanted to check out Leavenworth so headed… You'll also be asked to provide additional information about party size (maximum of 8 people), the length of your stay, and pay for the permit. The hike from the Stuart Lake trailhead to the Snow Lake trailhead is about 19 miles long. 509-548-2550. level 1 Both trail heads are accessed via Icicle Creek Road. A list of sites is here. Requests received after April 1 will be processed in the order received, after the priority batch has been processed. Colchuck Lake is truly a gem of a day hike. Groups must camp together each night in the zone for which the permit is issued. Camp along the shores of a turquoise lake or at the top of a ridge with panoramic views. The Enchantment Permit Area lies within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Use extreme caution when climbing or descending steep snow slopes, exposed and hidden creeks and waterfalls are present. There will no longer be alternate group leaders. But in the end, they serve a valuable purpose. Recreation.gov! You can reserve and camp at many coastal and lower elevation areas in Olympic National Park all year long. (Applying early doesn't give you preference for a permit, so just make sure to get your application in during this window.). A permit for the Colchuck Zone, for example, allows you to hike through the whole area but you can only camp within the Colchuck Zone. This allows you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature in relative solitude. 5.0. To mitigate detrimental human impact to the area there are Rules and Regulations that have been established and should be well understood, including no campfires above 5,000 feet. It's a good idea to research where and when you'd like to go before you start the application process since making changes to an application may not be easy or even possible once you've submitted it. Colchuck lake. Permits allow the permit holder and their group to camp overnight in one of the five permit zones: View a map of the permit zones. Set on making the Enchantments your backpacking destination? The lakes are situated within the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, where visitors are privy to endlessly beautiful views of lakes, larch trees, snow-topped peaks, glaciers, and occasional goat sightings. But reservations for high elevation areas like the Seven Lakes Basin are limited to a shorter summer season (typically mid-July until mid-October). Most of the camp sites are on the left side of the lake (west). These lands belong to all of us, and while they may not be a perfect solution, the combination of permits, lotteries, and a limited number of walk-up passes—goes a long way toward providing a fair allocation process and ensuring equal access to the opportunity. Obtain a daily walk-in permit at the Leavenworth Ranger Station during the permit season (excluding Sundays) Â. The lottery results will be posted on recreation.gov, at which time applicants can log into their recreation.gov account and find out the results of their application. Colchuck, Stuart, Snow and Eightmile/Caroline Zones: More individuals can be added to a permit up to a max of 8. This hike is challenging in that it is mostly up, and up, and up. Likewise, many may find an overnight trip to Eightmile or Stuart Lakes to be adequate, while others take a few extra days to relax or fish.   Â, The Overnight Visitor Parking Pass that comes free with an Enchantments permit must be on display on your vehicleâs dashboard. Demand for overnight permits far exceeds the number available, therefore advanced reservations are recommended. The 8-9 mile roundtrip hike was tiresome, but well worth it. In 1987 the Forest Service enacted a permit system for overnight camping in the Enchantments and the Snow Lakes, Stuart Lake, and Colchuck Lake areas. At about 1.75 miles (elev. All users must display required day or overnight parking pass and park in designated areas within designated trailheads. If you plan to backpack in a National Park or monument, you will need to secure a backcountry/wilderness permit. Backcountry (or wilderness) permits, like those issued in national parks or quota areas like the Enchantments, serve a different purpose than parking passes or entry fees. Most (75 percent) of those permits are issued through an annual lottery, which you can apply for between February 15 and Feb 29. If you’re planning a one-way hike you’ll need a car at each end. Treat this season as a chance to gather intel about the area by day hiking it. Colchuck Lake is a magnificent color of blue (from glacial till) and offers great overnight camping. Check individual park sites for information about how to get your permit. Permit season extended to May 15, 2016 - Oct 31, 2016. Follow the trail to the left and after a short stretch in the trees, come to another log bridge that takes you across a narrow, turbulent section of Mountaineer Creek. Your accepted reservation must be converted to a permit before you depart on your trip. A permit for the Colchuck Zone, for example, allows you to hike through the whole area but you can only camp within the Colchuck Zone. The trailhead is easily found from the parking area. Alternate group leader must have a recreation.gov account and accept online. Many great spots for swimming and snoozing. Aasgard Pass is not advised for hikers not prepared and equipped for steep snow travel. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline.We day hiked to Eightmile Lake a couple years ago and it was beautiful, although not as scenic as some of the other Enchantment lakes (like Colchuck). You will be charged a $6.00 non-refundable application fee. The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. Use our guide to research what you need. It is imperative hikers and backpackers evaluate their comfort and ability in various environments when choosing their route, as many hikes are strenuous and somewhat primitive, while others offer easier climbs.   Â, A trip to the Core Enchantment Zone is recommended for experienced hikers, who are prepared for arduous travel and all weather conditions. Colchuck Lake is a great area to camp when climbing in the Colchuck-Dragontail Peak area. If you want to get in the running for one of the reserved permits, read up on the North Cascades Backcountry Reservation page and follow these basic steps. The easiest routes are scrambles from the south and / or the Colchuck Col at the top of the Colchuck Glacier to the east. At this point, you will NOT have purchased a permit, but rather will have entered the lottery. In recent years, hikers have died after glissading and falling into a creek or hole in the snowpack. Â, There are no refunds for unfavorable weather conditions.Â, Lottery Application: $6.00 non-refundable fee (Note: reservation fee is non-refundable even if you are unsuccessful in the lottery. Note: The application process saw some minor tweaks back in the 2017 season, so be sure to brush up on the complete process at recreation.gov before sending in your application. The climb starts not long after the cutoff from the Stuart Lake Trail. (Applying early doesn't give you preference for a reservation, just make sure to get your request in during this window.). If you win a permit in the lottery, then you need to confirm and pay for it between March 17 and March 31. Although the area is high use, trails are very primitive with steep, rocky sections. Colchuck Lake Trail (Trip Report) Through the remainder of the year, permits are not required. To book the rest of your trip as campsites become available on the following days, log in into your Recreation.gov account and access your reservations, then modify your permit to add dates to your reservation. (There is a maximum of 5 persons per campsite. The $6 application fee is nonrefundable. Next to Stuart Lake, this has to be one of the most glorious day trips in the area. This allows you to immerse yours… new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Application processing will begin on April 1, and may take up to four weeks to complete. USGS Topographic map of the Enchantment Lakes. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Watch Enchantments Educational Video! We did this as a day hike. Colchuck Lake is nestled among some of the major Enchantment peaks, including Colchuck Balanced Rock, Dragontail Peak, and Colchuck … Self-registered Wilderness permits: When you are hiking or backpacking into other Wilderness areas on National Forest land, you may see a kiosk to fill out a self-registered, free wilderness permit. Hiking. While it's not a … You could give the Leavenworth ranger station a call to get clarification. Answer 1 of 12: Hello...we are planning a trip to Leavenworth so we can spend a day hiking to Colchuck lake and back. The party leader must carry photo ID and permit. charge a parking fee—this includes a majority trailheads in the Cascades and Olympics. As of 2020, wilderness permit reservations can be made up to 6 months to the day in advance on a rolling basis. We were actually lucky enough to get permits, and then a series of unfortunate events derailed our plans, and we ended up doing an incredibly long day hike instead of camping. Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake Trail is a 9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Leavenworth, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest or the Mount Margaret backcountry camps at Mount St. Helens you will need to secure a wilderness permit. There are numerous campsites around the lake for those with overnight permits. This view is looking north. Colchuck lake. Lower elevation trails and lakes are forested, while the upper lakes are within an alpine environment. Once all your changes are in place, print and sign your permit once all the details to your trip are finalized. You need a special ($$) permit to camp there after June 15th but what a great place to camp. You can get a day permit at the trailhead, or stay the night and camp with an overnight permit, which you have to enter the … Find detailed information and instructions on how to obtain a permit. Distance: 9.9 miles Elevation Gain: 2,631 ft. These permits are limited and demand usually exceeds availability.Â. [1] Das Gebiet liegt vollständig in der Alpine Lakes Wilderness etwa 24 km südwestlich von Leavenworth (Washington) im Westen der Vereinigten Staaten. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. It makes it a bit chilly, but also more relaxed. Any real difficulties for novice hikers? 4000ft) the trail crosses the creek on an spectacular log bridge spanning deep pools of water on large boulders. Stehekin Area (Lakeview, Purple Point and Harelquin). Starting Elevation: 3,410 ft. Permit holder must be 18 years or older. Colchuck Lake is one of the more scenic day-hikes in the Enchantments. Seattle, WA 98104. View historical lottery statistics (PDF).   Â, Trips into the Enchantment Permit Area can range from overnight to multiple days. Some of these permits are free, while others come with small fees. Chloe Donlan Contributor. Travel is difficult in areas. By limiting the number of visitors to an area, permits not only preserve the environment but also the experience of hikers themselves. Colchuck Lake is one of the lakes that make up the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which was established in 1976 and consists of 391,988 acres.
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