Best Trails near Leavenworth, Washington

Great Trail, just did it today, there was a lady by the name of Amanda that really helped us with the hike and snow, she lent her walking sticks if you do read this message please email me, we have your sticks ,gate was closed and hike from the bottom took us 7 hours, it was very icy and cold in places and a lot of snow, recommend spikes, and plenty breathable clothing.awesom hike with spectacular views.

Had the entire trail to myself and it was a stunner! Lake is frozen over and snowed on, so you won’t get much of a sight there, but the 2nd half of the trail is still dreamy to see in the thick, fresh snow. That being said, it is super snowy. So be prepared for winter conditions. I had a pole and my micro spikes on. Should have brought gaiters and snowshoes would have been nice at the very end. Also, the road to get up is VERY snowy and definitely requires a 4x4 and comfort with driving in thick snow and slush.

Nothing too crazy, about 3” of snow up on top, weather was clear and temps were near 14°. Overall really enjoyed it

I was going to describe the road to the trailhead (covered in snow, but currently no problem with a 4WD), but the gate was closed later today, so one cannot drive all the way to the trailhead anymore until next spring. The trail is covered in snow/ice/slush so traction and poles are advisable. Absolutely stunning views of the mountains and the 2 lakes covered in snow, I super recommend this hike :) P.S: As I was driving back after the hike, I realized the gate had been closed during the day! I have an InReach so I would have been able to ask for help (if you don't have one, consider getting it!) but I had the luck of seeing a couple just around the corner on the other side of the gate. They were awesome and very generously drove me to the Forest Service in Leavenworth to ask a ranger to open the gate for me. Thank you!!! They were amazing! The ranger (Jeff Rivera) was also absolutely wonderful, so nice to meet him! A huge thank you to the wonderful people I met today :)

The trail is now completely covered in snow, and the switchbacks are mostly ice, but it was easily passable with cheap spikes from Costco. While we were there it snowed about an inch, but the trail was easily discernible as of noon on Dec. 1st. The views of the frozen lake were worth the drive and hike.

Nov 30 - 15° & clear skies. All of the trail was snow-covered; first half packed-down and very doable with regular hiking boots, while second half got much more difficult (knee-deep at its toughest parts). Micro-spikes and gaitors or snow pants recommended for the latter portion. Not for the faint of heart - but a beautiful journey! Made it to Nada Lake and back in 6 hrs.

I loved this hike so much I featured it on my blog here! https://accordingtomadisonfordblog.wordpress.com/2019/12/03/hiking-in-leavenworth-colchuck-lake-trail/ Feel free to read more about the experience.

awesome trail - switchbacks galore!! Trail was well maintained. Beautiful views along the way and incredible pay off at the end. when you get to the top, make sure to go all the way to end to get a view of the cute city below.

as of Nov 29th the entire trail is covered in snow and very difficult to follow. at some parts the snow covers small runoffs that you can break through without warning. the depth of snow at the top of easily knee deep in places. I highly recommend microspikes and hiking poles.

Great hike 11/23- trail well maintained, some trees down and icy areas. As mentioned below the second bridge leading to the boulders, as well as the boulders were covered in frost/icy so proceed with caution (luckily it was sunny so on the way down it had all melted). Fairly easy trail, increasing incline at the end not all that bad.

Hiked in on Nov 20th. The trail was in great condition. You start to get some snow patches as you get closer to 5000 feet but no ice. I spent 2 nights out at the lake, it was beautiful but cold! Day hiked up Aasgard Pass and had really good conditions. Didn't need crampons but definitely microspikes. I was able to safely ascend and descend the same route. Enjoyed the sunlight on the summit for awhile before returning back to camp. Hiked out early on the Nov 23rd. As stated in the previous review, the bridge crossing just after the stuart/colchuck trail split is frosted up and the boulders were very slippery on my hike out. I imagine with the temperatures now it will probably stay that way so be careful.

Hiked up to Colchuck Lake on 11/23. The USFS road is a wretched mess - go slow if you have a small car. I got to the trailhead at 8:30am and there was plenty of parking. There’s no fee since permit season is over. No restroom access, as others have noted. The trail was in great shape. The only section that is tricky is after the big(gest) bridge, where you have to traverse boulders that are bridging the gap over the river. It’s super cold up there now and the boulders were covered in frost, as was the bridge. Nearly killed myself (not really) but made it over. Don’t underestimate the slipperiness of those rocks. There’s a section of the trail where many trees are blown down (not on the trail itself) and the trees still standing were groaning and shrieking in the wind today. Spooky and also cool. The lake is frozen because it’s wicked cold at the top. No mountain goats were seen. Beautiful day for a stroll in the ALW.

Great hike! The road to the trailhead was open still, but not in good condition. No fees to park. Trail was in good shape, with some ice in a couple places, especially by the first bridge, as noted below. The lake was mostly frozen and really beautiful. We went around the lake and started up Aasgard Pass. The going there was slow due to ice and snow on the boulder field, and we turned back when we were 1/3 of the way up due to fading daylight. The Pass is still negotiable though if you get an early start. Microspikes very helpful for the Pass; not needed on the trail up to Colchuck.

it was good! did it today. was looking for another hike trail around area, but was closed. found this one. we didn't expect it to be hard, but yes it is pretty steep. but over all amazing sceneries. was worth it, great work out!

Great mainly level hike following Icicle Creek. Beautiful forest, great river access, no crowds - great for a day hike