Colchuck Lake: 6 Day Road Trip in Washington State

On this expedition, we did a 6 day road trip which included Olympic NP, Seattle, Colchuck Lake, and North Cascades NP. We planned it out so we could start southwest and work our way up north. Our itinerary break down went like this:

• Days 1-2 / Olympic National Park

• Days 3-4 / Seattle & Colchuck Lake

• Days 5-6 / North Cascades National Park

Colchuck Lake

During days 3 and 4 of our road trip, we had a great time in Seattle and went hiking. While in the city, we took some time to relax, visited local coffee shops, did some grocery shopping, and explored the area. In this post, I'll be sharing my itinerary for Colchuck Lake, a 2 hour 45 min drive from Seattle.

Colchuck Lake

Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is tucked on the southern part of the Cascade Mountain Range. This scenic, difficult, out and back 8.7 mile trail is understandably not dog friendly as the terrain is isn't safe for them. This unforgettable trek in the Alpines with ever-changing sights along the way is best done June through October.

There are a million reasons I wholeheartedly enjoyed this day and one of them was being in harmony with all the wildlife I witnessed. From bald eagles, to mountain goats, small mammals, hawks, and the friendly birds I really got in touch with my inner Pocahontas.

When you arrive at the Stuart/Colchuck Lake parking lot be sure to display either the National Forest Recreation Pass or your America the Beautiful Pass. Although this parking lot is larger than others and finding a spot was easy, I still recommend arriving with the sunrise like we did. After you park, follow the Stuart Lake Trail to the junction with the Colchuck Lake Trail, which will lead you to Colchuck Lake where I high recommend resting and eating your lunch. You'll quickly notice how famously friendly the birds are and that they might ask you for some food.

Most people turn around after Colchuck Lake but we extended it for what we call more fun lol. Beyond the lake is one of the more strenuous trails I've done, Aasgard Pass.

Aasgard Pass

Colchuck lake (shown in photo) is where the trail transitions into Aasgard Pass (highlighted in red) where you can almost be guaranteed to see mountain goats. Aasgard Pass, an extremely strenuous 2,000 foot vertical ascend that will have your legs trembling, thighs and chest burning, and sweat dripping down your face as you climb and scramble towards the start of The Enchantments (top of red line). The Enchantments is a continuation of the trail.

To get to Aasgards Pass, continue the trail along the lake, keeping the water on your left. As you cross boulders along the shore, the trail may disappear at times - keep a keen eye and locate cairns and markers that show you the way. If you choose this route, keep in mind you'll transition from summer to winter in one day. Make sure to pack layers, a beanie, and extra socks (in case they get wet) for when you summit.

From scrambles, to lunch at Colchuck lake, grooving through the alpines, to pretty much a challenging vertical ascend on Aasgard Pass arriving at a glacier to arrive at the base of The Enchantments, this adventure packed day has got it all!